Bastian

As the train from the capital pulled into Carlsbar Station, Tira jumped up from the bench. When the train’s doors opened, the passengers flooded out, filling the once quiet platform with a crowd. Tira’s school uniform skirt wrinkled as she eagerly made her way towards the train.

After finishing her grooming, Tira made her way towards the train, struggling to squeeze through the crowd. Despite her best efforts to look like a neat and tidy model student since the early morning, she had been pushed and shoved around, leaving her looking disheveled. Suddenly, she heard someone call out, “Tira!”

As Tira’s gaze wandered around, she suddenly heard a welcoming voice, but not before her carefully polished shoes had been marred by dust and footprints. Her attention was drawn to a nearby luxury car, which appeared to be relatively quiet amidst the surrounding bustle.

“Sister!” Tira’s excitement was palpable as she searched the crowd for her sister Odette, causing her to dash through the throngs of people with fierce determination. Despite Odette’s usual scolding gaze, Tira was not intimidated this time. She welcomed the chastisement from her older sister, knowing that it would feel good to be nagged by her. Most of all, Tira longed to hear Odette’s voice, which she had missed so dearly.

Exhibiting the poise and grace of a true lady, Tira approached her sister with a resolution in mind, only to be overcome by emotion as she forgot all about it and burst into tears, embracing Odette tightly.

“Don’t act like a child, Tira” Despite her initial scolding tone, Odette’s demeanor softened as she gave Tira’s hand a reassuring squeeze. Againts the chilly delivery, Odette’s gesture conveyed a deep sense of warmth and love.

Tira sobbed into her sister’s shoulder as she gave her the tightest hug she could muster. It wasn’t until she felt a kind touch that stroked her spine that she realized what had happened. It had been almost four months since they had last seen each other, as they had said their goodbyes on the evening of the wedding.

As tears streamed down her face, a smile of pure joy lit up Tira’s features, I missed you! I missed you so much!”

Gazing upon her beloved sister’s face, Tira was filled with a sense of wonder and admiration, unable to contain her innocent admiration. “You look like a real princess now. You’re so pretty, sister,” she exclaimed, unable to hold back her awe.

Odette appeared to be the epitome of elegance with a hat that had no brim and was embellished with pearl beads and ostrich feathers. The ladylike and refined body was highlighted by a blue outfit in the shape of a hat and a long string of pearls that hung from her neck.

“You can’t imagine how happy I was when you arrived.” Tira’s eyes shone with happiness.

“I think my heart conveyed my feelings well enough,” replied Odette, trying to temper her sister’s excitement.

Tira shook her head vigorously. “No, it’s not enough. I missed you so much that I wanted to jump over the dormitory fence just to see you.”

“Please calm down, Tira,” 

“Seriously! If it weren’t for your intimidating husband kicking me out, I would have made a run for Ardenne by now,” exclaimed Tira loudly, her face contorted with frustration. However, her expression quickly shifted to one of stunned surprise, as if realizing the full weight of what she had just said.

A tall man went down to the platform below while murmuring some things that were left unfinished. The man came to Odette as though to exercise his right of course, and while he was there, he gave a few quick orders to the servants who came after him.

“Come on, Tira. Say hello,” urged Odette, using her gloved hands to gently wipe away Tira’s tears. Stepping back, she gave her younger sister some space.

Trying to compose herself, Tira hastily straightened her expression before bowing her head in greeting to the man standing beside her sister – Bastian Klauswitz. It was he who had brought her to this place, and his intimidating presence still made her uneasy.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Odette wasted no time as she swiftly removed her hat and coat, carefully arranging them before making her way to the window. With deft movements, she pulled back the curtain, revealing a breathtaking view of the serene riverside landscape below.

Stretching out before her lay the Schulter River, the lifeblood of the northern region of the Empire. Its waters shimmered with a piercingly cold, crystal-blue light, creating a stunning vista visible from the bedroom of the luxurious suite.

“It’s a room with an amazing view,” remarked Odette in a tone that was more matter-of-fact than impressed. Without wasting any more time, she began to unpack her belongings.

Meanwhile, Bastian settled back into a chair situated near the fireplace, watching the scene unfold before him. He observed as Odette deftly hung a wrinkled dress in the closet and arranged her belongings with the dexterity of a seasoned maid.

After placing the cigarette case on the armrest, Bastian reached into the pocket of his jacket and removed the cigarette case. Soon after that, he located and grabbed the lighter, but he did not use it to light the cigarette. He had just finished watching her while holding a cigarette to his lips. Odette would frequently move about in the bedroom, and she would only turn towards Bastian once she had finished removing all of her belongings from the room.

“Once again, I apologize for Tira’s rudeness. I’m truly sorry, Bastian,” said Odette, after much hesitation. Bastian, who had been biting a cigarette, put it down and nodded in response.

In truth, Tira Byller’s behavior was of little concern to him. Although it was difficult to comprehend why Odette would be bothered by such a thing, he didn’t mind keeping the decorum in check, at least to a certain extent.

“Thank you for understanding,” said Odette with a relieved smile, standing at a polite distance. In that moment, she appeared more like a secretary or a maid than a wife.

“Of course, I appreciate the consideration of allowing me to take a vacation to come see Tira. It means even more since it’s been a long time since we’ve been together,” Odette continued talking then added a belated greeting, seemingly managing to maintain her composure. She had to exert effort to keep the corners of her mouth up so as not to lose her smile.

After hearing about the situation, Bastian granted Odette’s request for a vacation. Odette was genuinely thrilled and grateful for the unexpected gift, even though it didn’t feel like a typical vacation since she would be traveling with her employer. 

Bastian mentioned that they would be heading to Carlsbar at the perfect time, albeit with a slight frown. Initially, he had planned to send a company executive instead, but since things turned out this way, they could go together. Odette felt that it was not an ideal arrangement, but she had no choice but to accept it.

“Yes, Bastian,” Odette replied with a polite and even laughed with the demeanor of a competent wife the previous night. She thought it would have been better not to further complicate their already awkward cohabitation. “That’s very kind of you,” she added. However, she couldn’t shake off the feeling of discomfort. “It’s almost twelve o’clock already,” she informed Bastian, glancing at the clock.

Despite being in the city for business, Bastian had no excuse to neglect his other duties. A promise made to businessmen from the North had left him with a tight and hectic two-day schedule, which made Odette doubt whether he could keep up with it.

“The car will be here in ten minutes,” Bastian announced as he stood up and strode across the room in broad steps. Odette felt embarrassed by his sudden presence but remained silent. Fortunately, Bastian stopped at the right spot, “I’ll be back before 7 o’clock, so let’s have dinner together, with your sister.” It was an unexpected offer from Bastian, who had just put on his jacket.

“No, I don’t want to take your time. I’ll take care of Tira myself.” Odette attempted to decline Bastian’s invitation, however, Bastian reiterated his promise, “Seven o’clock. We’ll go to the restaurant on the first floor of this hotel.” He spoke with a tone that suggested he did not wish to argue further. As he adjusted his tie, a wedding ring similar to Odette’s glistened on his large hand.

Odette was taken aback when she realized all of a sudden that this man was not only her boss but also carrying out the responsibilities of a husband. She showed that she was aware of the situation by nodding her head in agreement. From the perspective of the general public, it was a visit from a loving husband to the cherished sister of his wife. Bastian was responsible for a number of things, including having supper with Tira.

“Thank you. I’ll make sure Tira doesn’t make another mistake,” Odette said gratefully. 

“I wish there was something more practical you could do,” Bastian replied, taking out a small card from his jacket pocket. Odette was surprised when he handed it to her. It was an invitation with the Herhardt family emblem. “House of Herhardt invited us for lunch tomorrow. He wants a definite answer by phone,” Bastian informed her.

 “Is the Herhardt family also part of your social circle?” Odette asked.

 “Up until Matthias von Herhardt,” Bastian replied.

Bastian adjusted his jacket and lifted his chin, exuding an air of discipline that would make anyone think he was a soldier. Even as a civilian, his military background was apparent. Odette was certain that anyone who saw him would immediately recognize him as an officer.

Bastian’s words caught Odette’s attention, bringing her back to the present. She took a deep breath and carefully examined the elegant invitation in her hand. The contact information for a response was written in beautiful handwriting. 

“Should I make the call?” Odette asked, seeking Bastian’s opinion. 

“That’s your responsibility,” Bastian replied.

 “What do you mean?” Odette asked, confused.

 “It’s considered impolite for someone of lower status to speak to someone of higher status first, isn’t it?” Bastian responded, discussing the matter in a serious tone devoid of any respect or animosity towards hierarchy.

Odette nodded softly. “Oh… yes. Not among friends.”

Although a married woman should follow her husband’s status, society still regarded one’s family lineage as important. Odette wasn’t sure if Dyssen’s name carried enough weight, but Bastian was correct about etiquette.

“But Bastian,” Odette’s eyes shook when she saw the name of the dowager Duchess at the end of the invitation. “I think I should decline this. The dowager Duchess is a member of the Lovita royal family.”

“So what?” Bastian retorted

 “My late mother…my mother was prince of Lovita’s fiancé when she was the princess of Berg.” Odette confessed her mother’s mistake as calmly as she could. 

Bastian took a moment to gather his thoughts before summarizing the situation briefly. “The fiancé who was betrayed by your mother is a relative of Duchess Herhardt, is that what you mean?” 

“Yes, In that case, Lady Norma might not be too pleased with me. Perhaps you should visit alone,” Odette suggested.

Bastian shrugged nonchalantly. It was clear to him now why the noble Duchess had invited the Klauswitz couple. “Well, I think she’ll be rather pleased,” he said. “Didn’t she know what you just told me?”

Odette hesitated for a moment before answering. “No, I don’t think so.”

“Well, there you have it,” Bastian replied. “She invited you because she wanted to meet you.”

“Why?” Odette asked.

“Because it’s a satisfying story for the Duchess,” Bastian replied. “The daughter of the woman who betrayed her own family ended up marrying the grandson of a junk dealer and becoming a commoner. It’s a refreshing ending, isn’t it?”

Odette stared at Bastian in silence, feeling insulted but suppressing her reaction as was her habit.

 “It would bring the Duchess a great comfort and pleasure to witness it by herself.” Bastian said.

“Are you suggesting that I should be a tangible reminder of my mother’s past mistakes and shortcomings for the Duchess’s comfort and pleasure?” Odette asked incredulously.

“It’s up to you to find any meaning in it. You just have to make a phone call to the Duke’s family and enjoy a nice lunch at their mansion tomorrow. After all, the best aristocratic family in the empire wouldn’t serve anything less than excellent food.” His expression and tone remained the same as when he discussed noble manners, revealing his class consciousness.

Odette stared at her husband, feeling bewildered. She was reminded once again of who she had married, and it was clear why high society held such animosity towards Bastian Klauswitz. Odette couldn’t condone a man who groveled for success like a dog.

However, she understood that Bastian’s unwillingness to rebel against the old order and authority didn’t stem from envy. Perhaps he believed that one cannot truly understand something until they stand at the opposite end of it.

The notion appeared to be absent from his mind. He was not aware, therefore he didn’t have to form opinions on what was right or wrong. It wasn’t obedience, it was just lack of consciousness.

“Do you truly believe it will benefit you?” Odette’s gaze became firm. The offspring of a betrayed princess. A Duke’s daughter with nothing but a name. A guilty being born with inherent sin.

Odette felt liberated for the first time in her life as she looked into Bastian’s indifferent gaze, which made her feel like the shackles that had been holding her down had lost their power.

“Suppose the answer is affirmative?” Bastian glanced at his watch and posed a brief question. It was 12:10, the scheduled time for the car he had arranged to send. 

“In that case, I will proceed with it,” Odette replied promptly, without any hesitation.

As Bastian gazed at Odette, a wide grin spread across his face, leaving a dazzling impression, like the brightness of noon sunlight.