Bastian
Chapter 16 - Brazenly and Carelessly

✧Brazenly and Carelessly✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Odette von Dyssen graced the gathering at a time that suited the humble guests, blending seamlessly into the crowd. However, her fame was a hindrance to this peaceful arrival, attracting attention from all corners.

Ella von Klein, impatiently awaiting Odette’s arrival, rushed to her side and greeted her warmly, “Hello, do you remember me? We met at the ball that night.”

With a warm smile, Odette replied, “Ah yes. You’re the daughter of Count Klein and the fiancée of Mr. Franz Klauswitz, am I right?”

“Exactly! I was so impressed that you remembered me so clearly despite your busy schedule. Thank you for being so kind,” Ella gushed, leading Odette to join her group.

Fortunately, Ella was able to more readily gain the focal point of every conversation today because the fussy old lady wasn’t with her.

As the rumors claimed, Odette von Dyssen was unique and distinctive.

The woman stood alone, much like the circumstances that had led her to the edge of the cliff, but she carried no hint of arrogance. Her presence was soft and inviting, often acting as a listener but engaging in conversation when required with grace and charm. A true epitome of elegance and poise.

“I was worried that winter had returned, I am glad to see the weather improving once more.” Ella said. 

As the discussion came to a close, the young daughter of Count Brandt offered her first remarks, her eyes shining with admiration. “Your dress is stunning, it truly brings out your beauty.”

Claudine von Brandt, rising from her seat, approached Odette with delicate steps, while Ella watched the interaction with curious eyes, studying the air between the two ladies.

Claudine gazed at Odette’s attire, a gentle smile curling on her lips. “It reminds me of Reine’s creations, so elegant and sophisticated. That dress shop truly knows how to handle delicate fabrics like chiffon and silk with such grace.”

Ella and the other ladies looked taken aback, not recognizing the shop named. Curiosity and suspicion gleamed in their eyes as they gazed at Claudine.

Could it be a test? They wondered.

Ella’s eyes flickered with excitement, her gaze fixed upon Claudine’s face as she tried to discern her motives.

It seemed impossible for someone like Odette, who came from humble origins, to have a custom-made gown from such an upscale boutique.

The dress Odette donned today appeared to be the handiwork of a talented seamstress, but upon closer scrutiny, one could discern the telltale signs of additions. It was clear that the gown was not made specifically for her.

“No surprise there,” a young woman drawn near to Ella whispered. “I’m often overlooked when I visit the shop.”

“His Majesty can be rather ungenerous,” the young woman continued. “Using Odette as a mere pawn to safeguard the Princess, it would have been considerate if he had gifted her with some practical attire.”

“The gathering party was so sudden that there was no time to waste,” Ella spoke, shielding Odette in reverence for the Klauswitz family. She was aware of the stringent procedures at the sought-after dress shops. “Bookings must be made two seasons’ in advance at the most popular establishments.”

However, even the most demanding shops would not dare defy the royal decrees. The royal family chose not to intervene, viewing Odette’s situation as beneath their notice. Despite their ability to offer aid with ease, they deemed it not worth their effort.

“Thank you for the kind words, Lady Brandt,” Odette finally spoke up, drawing the attention of the ladies who were hushedly giggling. The poor woman found herself on the spot once again, facing their judgement.

If she were to react impulsively, she would be deeply mortified. However, acknowledging her ignorance and poverty was equally unbecoming. No matter her response, it seemed she could not escape the ridicule.

“You see, my knowledge and taste in fashion is still quite inexperienced,” Odette explained with grace. “I am grateful for the guidance of my chaperone. The countess’s niece and I share a similar figure, and I am lucky enough to be able to preview attire from various boutiques. Lady Brandt’s recommendation will definitely be at the top of my list.”

The other ladies looked at each other, unsure of what to make of Odette’s response. But before they could react, the officers of the army entered the room, ready to commence the game.

“It was lovely talking with you, Lady Brandt, but I must be going now,” Odette said, trying to gracefully escape the awkward situation. Claudine, who had found her cousin, smiled warmly and bid her farewell. 

“Then let’s meet again soon, Lady Odette.”

Apparently, the previous conversation was already forgotten. The charming Claudine von Brandt bid farewell to Odette with a warm smile and a kind greeting.

“Ah, my apologies,” Claudine added with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, “I’ve made a mistake earlier. The dress you’re wearing, it’s from Sabine’s dress shop.”

Odette gracefully accepted the correction with a smile, pretending to be grateful for the new information. Claudine turned to join the Army officers, her elegant silhouette blending into the crowd.

Just as Odette was taking a sip of refreshing lemonade, a joyful voice filled the air. It was Ella von Klein, excitedly greeting her fiancé, Franz Klauswitz.

“Franz, darling, you’re finally here! I have been worrying about you.” Ella gushed, clinging to her fiancé’s arm.

Franz, with his dark brown curls and piercing gray eyes, greeted everyone with a warm smile, his gentle demeanor at odds with his reputation as the heir to a wealthy business family. He was the very picture of a refined artist, rather than a ruthless businessman, leaving those around him in awe.

Franz’s demeanor dramatically worsened when it was finally his turn to welcome Odette.

“It’s a delight to see you again, Lady Odette.”

Franz’s greeting was a bit hesitant, as he kept his gaze fixed on his shoes. His eyes, like a chilly mist, made Odette feel uncomfortable, yet she gracefully disguised it.

“Hello, Mr. Klauswitz. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” she replied with a warm smile.

Just then, the players from the Admiralty treaded into the stadium, providing a perfect diversion for Odette. She turned her gaze to the other side of the sun-drenched lawn, observing the tall, strong, and fit young officers. They commanded the horses with a fierce grace, none more so than Bastian.

With quick strides, they approached the reception area, taking the time to inspect their horses before proceeding.

Odette took a deep, silent breath, raising her chin and expanding her chest, yet she still struggled to breathe in the confines of her constricting corset. Despite the discomfort, she had donned the ill-fitting garment, a necessary sacrifice in the name of fashion. Sᴇaʀᴄh the NøvᴇlFirᴇ(.)nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

As Bastian strode confidently towards her, their eyes locked, and he beamed with a smile as bright as the sun at its highest point in the sky.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“Bastian Klauswitz, like a god of battle, captivated everyone with his striking beauty,” Sandrine mused as she watched him engage in lighthearted conversation with his potential bride-to-be, chosen by the emperor. A mix of love and hatred swirled within her.

“It seems like they’ll be tying the knot soon,” chimed in a young woman with an innocent expression, seeking a reaction from Sandrine. With a bright smile, Sandrine nodded in agreement.

“I hope so. Bastian’s life will be much more settled with a strong partner by his side as he sets off on his next assignment,” she said, her words ringing with a sense of genuine concern for her friend.

“It’s sweet of you to think that way, Sandrine. Your kind heart shines through,” the young woman said, a bit flustered by Sandrine’s boldness.

“It’s only natural for friends who share a deep bond,” Sandrine replied with a warm smile, her words successfully masking the deceit beneath.

She hurriedly changed the subject, maybe realising that there was no point in extending this discussion. It was the type of boring conversation that society’s young ladies like, bragging about their husbands and their children.

Sandrine gracefully excused herself from the conversation and returned her attention to the joyous couple. Despite her inner turmoil, her smile remained serene and composed, as if a gentle breeze had swept away any hint of animosity. She took a deep breath and allowed herself to bask in the beauty of the moment, letting go of any undesirable feelings and thoughts.

Sandrine watched the couple and couldn’t help but feel the same passion the princess felt for Bastian. She was also all too aware of the madness that would accompany her desire to be with such a man. Despite this, she lacked the audacity to behave as the princess had. While she was still single, it was a precarious balancing act of good fortune and sad destiny.

She let out a heavy sigh as she momentarily saw her husband’s face.

In the end, she had got the worst husband in the entire world—Count Lenart, a sodomite—but she couldn’t despise him. She was able to take advantage of his flaws and force a divorce without consequence because of him, and that weakness allowed her to obtain Bastian Klauswitz.

With that in mind, Sandrine might pardon him for his folly. It would be unfair to cling to his small-minded side, who was dithering the divorce proceedings to the point where he could cut her alimony by even a single cent.

How much time had passed since she had last gazed upon him with such longing?

As Bastian turned his head, Sandrine’s feelings of anger and frustration were instantly replaced with love. Despite her wounded pride, she couldn’t help but fall under his spell once more.

With a flirtatious wink, Sandrine gestured towards the lounge. There was no doubt that Bastian wouldn’t pick up on her meaning.

“Oh, I think I need to take a brief respite,” she said, feigning a stumble and spilling her sherry as an excuse. Rushing away from the reception, she bid farewell to the women whose false concern was etched upon their faces. As she stood at the end of the grand hallway, her heart pounded with excitement and anticipation.

Sandrine could feel her heart race with anticipation As the strong footsteps approached,  . She knew it was Bastian, even though his face was obscured by the backlight. She took a deep breath, her voice as soft and gentle as the spring breeze.

“Don’t you have something to tell me?” she asked, as Bastian finally turned the corner.

“I have something to ask you,” Bastian replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Sandrine stood up from her leaning position against the wall, taking a step forward towards Bastian. The handsome man stood before her, wearing a nonchalant confidence on his charming face.

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