Bastian
Chapter 15 - The Peaceful Presence of Beautiful Things

✧The Peaceful Presence of Beautiful Things✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The grand hall of the Art History Museum was abuzz with a gathering of onlookers, resembling a swarm of bees that had discovered their blooms eager to hear the news whispered from ear to ear. The star of the show, however, was an unlikely pair – the grandson of an antique dealer and the daughter of a forsaken princess, two souls brought together by fate, and yet deemed mismatched by the emperor. 

They glided from one exhibit to the next, entranced by the beauty before them, their silence only serving to enhance the allure of their tender connection. To the casual observer, they appeared as affectionate lovers, yet to another, they seemed like perfect strangers, their enigmatic bond defying explanation.

The onlookers had forgotten even the most basic form of discretion as they were now shamelessly glancing at the two while still engrossed in the enigmatic puzzle. The couple maintained their snobbish posture despite being aware of the stinging glances they were receiving.

As the pair made their way through the galleries, the gathered onlookers reached a quiet consensus. Despite this, it was difficult to discern whether his heart was set on a clandestine escape with the princess or if he was deeply enamored with the Duke of Dyssen’s daughter. The air of mystery only fueled the spectators’ intrigue, causing a hushed buzz to ripple through the room.

 And just as the room was awash with curious excitement, the grandson of the antique dealer turned his head, causing a barely noticeable stir that echoed through the halls. The truth remained elusive, shrouded in the shadows of speculation.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Odette was completely absorbed in the exhibition.

He initially brushed it off as a showy display, but at this point he was forced to acknowledge the woman’s genuineness.

Bastian cast his eager gaze over the paintings and sculptures, his attention captivated by the woman beside him. Odette, her eyes fixed on the pamphlet she had brought from the entrance, explored the works with the unbridled excitement of an art student. Her demeanor was calm and focused, but her eyes would occasionally crinkle with curiosity, a faint smile playing at her lips as she found the answers she sought within the pages. And when uncertainty still lingered, she would tilt her head, a reflection of her thirst for knowledge.

As they entered the final exhibition room, traditional paintings, mainly nudes with classical and mythological themes, surrounded them. Odette approached a painting at the far end of the hall, completely absorbed in her exploration, seemingly oblivious to Bastian’s presence.

Undeterred, Bastian followed closely behind, keeping a respectful distance. Through the window, the streets of Ratz were blanketed in a gentle layer of spring snow, a picturesque scene that rivaled the beauty within the exhibition hall.

Bastian suddenly thought, looking across the square at the Natural History Museum, “I’m glad we didn’t go there.” He had no interest in the themes either, so it wasn’t much different from the other museums; nonetheless, this place offered something more enjoyable than gazing at fossils and botanical displays.

With purpose in his steps, Bastian closed the gap between him and Odette, his movements fluid and graceful. Amongst the still beauty of the exhibitions, she seemed to blend into the landscape, a part of the very essence of the art around her. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ N0ᴠᴇFɪre.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

“This exhibition hall is well worth the investment,” Bastian declared as he approached the final piece.

Startled by the sudden sound of his voice, Odette raised her head, her gaze falling upon the serious expression on Bastian’s face. Gone was the lighthearted humor she had come to expect from him, replaced by a contemplative air that left her momentarily stunned.

But Odette’s surprise was short-lived, her calm gaze soon giving way to a smile that was at once both guarded and disarmingly genuine. Bastian’s own lips curled in response, the shadows cast by their smiling eyes deepening the reverent hush that enveloped them.

“It seems that even the renowned teachers of Laven, who taught the captain to dance like a gentleman, failed to impart a truly gentlemanly appreciation for art,”  Odette said

” I speak as one who was nurtured by the teachings of Laven’s esteemed instructors.” 

“Are you attempting to dishonor your alma mater?”

“If you take a look at the pictures the gents of Laven have stuck on the dormitory closet door, you will see that I am right.” Bastian replied with a gentle smile, as he cast his gaze over the numerous works on display. The grand display of nudes, surrounded by glittering frames, was certainly impressive, but it paled in comparison to the classical masterpieces they had marveled at earlier.

“Might the captain have been among those who adorned their dormitory doors with such nude paintings?” Odette queried, fixing Bastian with a penetrating gaze.

“What do you assume?” Bastian cocked his head and quietly posed a rejoinder. Odette held her breath unconsciously as she was startled by the unexpected response. Bastian’s smile had already given way to an unidentified tranquility at this precise time.

Was there a time when he was a mere boy, untainted by the weight of experience?

It was difficult for her to imagine such a thing, though she knew it must have been true once.

“It’s enough for today, I suppose, so…”With a graceful lowering of her gaze, Odette called an end to the day’s adventures. Though a warmth still lingered on her cheeks, she willed it away, but to no avail.

“I will respect the my lady’s wishes.” Bastian, ever the gentleman, respectfully acknowledged her request.

With a small sigh of relief, Odette raised her head once more. Ahead of her, Bastian’s broad back was illuminated by the snowflakes outside the window, casting a gentle shadow on the glass.

Odette came to the conclusion that Bastian Klauswitz’s dorm room had to be spotless.

Somehow, he seemed to be the kind of man that would be ideal for her.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

As they exited the museum, Bastian and Odette made their way to retrieve their coats, leaving the Art History Museum through its rear gate. But as Odette descended the snow-covered steps, she suddenly made a gentle request.

“Let’s say goodbye here,” she whispered softly.

“Allow me to accompany you home,” Bastian replied, steadfast in his duties.

“It’s alright, Captain. My sister should be finishing school soon and the school is close by, I’ll go home with her,” Odette explained.

“Then, let me drive you both,” Bastian offered.

“No, Tira might feel awkward,” Odette declined.

“The snow shows no signs of stopping, it would be too much to walk in this weather,” Bastian pointed out.

“I’ll take the train. Thank you for a lovely time, Captain,” Odette said with a smile.

And with that, the two parted their ways.

With a gentle smile adorning her face, Odette firmly stood by her decision. Her demeanor was as chill and delicate as the snowflakes that gracefully brushed against her cheeks.

Bastian cast a glance at his watch and reluctantly nodded in agreement.

The hour of their next rendezvous was fast approaching, and with the weather worsening by the minute, it was time to depart. Though a slight delay would not cause much inconvenience in this place, there was no need to impose upon the wishes of a woman who wished not to be troubled.

“Then I’ll see you at the polo game,” Bastian said.

As Odette bid farewell with a formal smile, she stepped away, her figure slowly disappearing into the white blanket of snow.

Bastian watched her leave, then turned on his heel, feeling the chill of the snowflakes melt away on his coat. But just as the memories of Odette began to fade, he remembered something.

He had promised to bring flowers to his aunt and quickly made his way to the shopping district to make good on his word. As he drove, his thoughts strayed back to Odette and he wondered where she could be.

It was only when he caught sight of a familiar figure across the street that he remembered. There she was, standing at the train station, accompanied by a schoolgirl. And as the light changed and she walked away, he realized that her excuse about her sister was not a lie after all.

Even with the heavy-looking grocery bag in her arms, Odette kept her composure. She didn’t resemble her younger sister at all, who was bouncing around and acting like a puppy in excitement.

Odette warned her, the girl became silent for a bit, but soon began talking again. Not just physically, but also mentally too. The sisters were strikingly different from one another.

The train arrived as Bastian was searching for his lighter with a cigarette in his lips awaiting to be lit. Odette was swiftly shoved back as the shivering masses rushed in furiously. Evidently, she wasn’t fit enough to board the train.

Bastian suddenly noticed the woman across the street and the frailty of her attire. Her blouse and skirt were neat, but her overcoat was heavily worn, just like the struggles of life. It was in the midst of spring when the proposal was made, and the onset of winter caught her unawares, leaving her without proper clothing to withstand the chill.

As the horn of a passing train blared, Bastian sighed and pivoted his car. The train at the station had departed and, as he expected, there were still passengers who had missed their chance to board. However, Odette was nowhere to be seen.

With a cigarette between his lips, Bastian hit the gas, ignoring the stop sign. Despite being pushed back by the throngs of people, Odette’s determination allowed her to push her way onto the crowded train, and the vehicle carrying the woman gradually turned into a red dot, fading away into the distance.

With a graceful exhale of smoke, the woman was lost once more in the delicate swirl of white vapor.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

As Odette fumbled for her key, the door suddenly creaked open. She and Tira exchanged surprised glances as they beheld their father standing before them, his presence uncharacteristically sober and absent of the usual alcohol scent.

“What are you waiting for? Come in, come in,” Duke Dyssen beckoned, opening the door wider and stepping back.

With disbelief, Odette entered the house first, followed closely by Tira. As she carried the groceries to the kitchen, Duke settled at the end of the table, his behavior a stark contrast to his usual conduct.

“I’ll prepare dinner,” After slipping into more comfortable clothing, Odette returned to the kitchen, donning her apron. Her father was still seated at the table, his behavior unexpectedly calm and collected.

As Odette deftly chopped the potatoes for the stew, her father, who had been silently observing for a while, suddenly spoke. “Your age… twenty?” he asked, a meaningful expression on his face.

“Twenty-one,” Odette replied coolly, opening a bag of flour.

Duke Dyssen seemed to be taken aback, “twenty one…”he repeated her age. 

His face a mix of confusion and joy. Odette couldn’t quite decipher his expression, but she didn’t pry. She knew that she would never fully understand him anyway.

The kitchen was warmly lit by a new oil lamp, casting a gentle glow on Odette and Tira as they worked together to prepare dinner. They moved with a synchronized ease, creating an illusion that this was a normal, everyday occurrence in their household.

As the snow fell gently outside on this peaceful April evening, the Dyssen family was, for the first time in a long while, at amity.

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