Bastian

“Bastian, it’s time for us to return now,” Odette reiterated persistently. No matter what she tried, whether it was necklaces, rings, or earrings, her response remained consistent, unlike most women who typically transform, as if possessed, when they come across a jewelry store display.

“Bastian,” Odette’s voice quivered as she called out to him. Her eyes darted around anxiously, and her pale fingertips tightly clutched Bastian’s coat sleeve.

“What about this one?” Bastian, who had remained silent until now, eventually gestured towards a different piece of diamond jewelry.

Bastian comprehended the truth that Odette was a modest woman with high self-esteem. So far, she had never wanted any luxury other than the rewards given as wages for being a contract wife. But that was also the reason why Bastian didn’t want to give up. 

He longed to present her with something of value. Something distinct from the obligations that had been met with a mere stroke of a pen in the checkbook. Something exclusively intended for her delight, like this exquisite blue-cut diamond.

Bastian recalled the presence of Iris flowers in the vase, adorning their bedroom for the past few days. Odette had an affection for gazing at the flowers, and he often caught glimpses of her standing beside it, simply observing or caressing the soft petals, her face filled with serenity and a tranquil smile.

Those days carried on, until time slipped away, and eventually, the Iris flowers wilted.

An idea struck Bastian abruptly: he contemplated giving Odette something that would provide solace, as a substitute for the fleeting flowers. He sought an object that would remain eternal and not wither away, and gemstones were the perfect embodiment of such enduring beauty.

“How about trying it on first? Often, your perception changes once you experience it firsthand,” suggested the store manager, stepping forward. They extended the last remaining piece of diamond jewelry after Odette had turned down nearly every other option presented.

“No, it’s fine. We’re just…,” Odette started to say before Bastian interrupted her, “Could you offer a suggestion?” He said, his attention captivated by the jewelry exhibited in the store’s showcase.

“What type of jewelry are you seeking?” inquired the manager.

“Is there something that can be worn constantly, regardless of the occasion?”

“Hmm, perhaps a ring? It’s the most versatile jewelry piece as it doesn’t require removal and complements any attire seamlessly.”

Slightly perplexed, the store manager retrieved a ring box from the center of the table and positioned it before Bastian. Then, one by one, they proceeded to display additional rings.

Bastian’s gaze narrowed gradually as he examined the array of jewelry. To him, every diamond ring appeared exquisite, leaving him unable to form a definitive opinion. Despite his earnest efforts to select the finest one, differentiating between the rings proved challenging.

His ability to discern women’s jewelry was not particularly keen. Aware of his own limitations, Bastian mustered the courage to make a decision. He reached out and clasped Odette’s wrist, selecting the ring nearest to him. Bastian no longer sought Odette’s input since she would always decline like a parrot repeating the same response.

Odette attempted to liberate her hand while Bastian slid the first ring onto her ring finger. Observing it closely, Bastian then removed it and moved on to the next ring offered by the store manager.

One after another, he continued this process—another one, and then another. Bastian repeated the process of placing rings on Odette’s finger, making occasional remarks, only to remove them again. Odette, having surrendered, relinquished her grasp and lowered her head. The shadows beneath her eyes tinged with red, mirroring the tears that streamed down her cheeks.

Finally, with a smile, Bastian slipped on the last ring. It featured petite, translucent diamond cuts arranged in layered petals surrounding a square-cut blue diamond at its center.

Bastian gazed intently at the jewelry, appreciating its beauty for a considerable time. The blue brilliance of the diamond harmoniously complemented Odette’s fair complexion, and he admired its shape, resembling a blossoming flower.

Bastian settled on his selection, opting to leave the final ring in Odette’s hand. The store manager beamed with delight and applauded, gently setting down the velvet box they had been holding.

“You’ve made an exceptional choice, Captain. Diamonds of this hue are exceedingly rare. Furthermore, this particular diamond boasts the utmost quality and has been meticulously crafted with special expertise. You won’t find a ring with such a unique design in any store within the empire.”

“However, the ring seems to be a bit loose,” Bastian observed, casting a glance at Odette’s hand. Despite its petite appearance, the ring size remained too large for her. It seemed impractical to have Odette wear an oversized ring.

“That’s because Lady Klauswitz has remarkably slender fingers. We can resize the ring to fit her finger perfectly,” the store manager reassured.

“In that case, is it possible to have the adjustment completed before the weekend concludes?” Bastian inquired.

“Oh, yes! I completely forgot you have to depart for Lausanne!” the jewelry store keeper exclaimed with enthusiasm. Bastian simply nodded in acknowledgment. “Certainly, it can be done. Please don’t worry, Captain. It is a tremendous privilege for me to play a small part in commemorating the momentous day of an esteemed hero of the Empire,” the store manager spoke loudly, her posture reflecting deep respect.

Bastian remained silent, refraining from uttering a word. Instead, he gently clasped Odette’s cold hand, the ring still adorning her finger. That act served as his response to Odette, who pleaded with her eyes for an answer.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Ardenne remained drenched in rain, the downpour persisting.

Odette, battling to find solace, found herself tossing and turning, sighing, and rising from her bed repeatedly. The faint glow of the desk clock revealed the time had surpassed 2:00 AM. The sound of raindrops amplified the stillness of the approaching dawn.

Leaning against the headboard, Odette cast a tender gaze upon Bastian, who lay asleep beside her. Even in slumber, he appeared impeccably composed and tranquil. His posture remained upright, his breath steady, and not even the collar of his blanket appeared disheveled.

With the rising sun, Odette faced the imminent meeting with Theodora Klauswitz. Her gaze drifted towards the wardrobe, reminding herself once more of her purpose. Hidden within the wardrobe were the document papers she intended to present to Bastian’s stepmother.

“All for Tira~” Odette whispered, summoning her resolve. The point of no return had been reached, and she could no longer retreat. Despite feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of giving up, she pressed on.

Turning her head, Odette followed the relentless beat of her heart. In the glow of the firelight, she caught a glimpse of Bastian’s face, and memories from their arduous day flooded her mind.

The bond between Bastian and Sandrine still appeared strong.

Odette possessed a profound understanding of the implications. She recognized the sorrowful fate of a woman who clung to futile aspirations of fulfilling a man’s desires.

Her mother had experienced a similar journey with a father who had ardently sought her affection, proving to be the most passionate and adoring lover in the world. Odette couldn’t help but draw parallels to her own situation as Tira attempted to approach her mother. Undoubtedly, Bastian’s father would exhibit similar characteristics.

However, the love and kindness bestowed upon her felt akin to poison, leaving a bitter taste in her heart.

Seeking solace, Odette clutched her blanket tightly, attempting to soothe her trembling heart. At that moment, Bastian, who had been peacefully slumbering, abruptly opened his eyes and awakened.

The powerful gusts of wind shattered the tranquility within the bedroom. Despite the relentless downpour and the forceful pounding of the wind against the window, Bastian remained fixated on an empty expanse, lost in thought.

Alarmed, Odette began to discern an unsettling change in Bastian. His breaths gradually grew labored, yet his eyes appeared vacant and tranquil, akin to a dark swamp. It was as if he were wandering through a nightmare, his eyes wide open but devoid of emotion.

“Bastian…” Odette instinctively uttered his name. Repeated attempts to call out to him proved futile. With a sense of urgency, Odette hastily shook his body, hoping to rouse him from his distant state. Finally, Bastian’s drifting gaze fixed upon Odette.

“Ah…!” Escaping her lips, a soft moan emerged when Bastian abruptly clasped her wrist.

Overwhelmed by fear, Odette held her breath, and gradually, Bastian’s eyes began to regain their focus. “Odette…” The sound of her name echoed as Bastian’s grip on her wrist intensified, causing her pain.

Unable to endure the discomfort any longer, Odette discerned a faint whisper calling out her name. Bastian released his grip on her and proceeded to stroke his own face, his speech becoming incoherent and muddled. He seemed to be in a delirious state, muttering to himself, with a disconcerting mix of vulgar and inappropriate words.

Just as Odette was about to switch on the bedside lamp, Bastian’s abrupt shout jolted her. “Don’t turn on the light.”

Startled, Odette turned her head towards him. Bastian reclined on the bed, exhaling deeply, his gaze fixated on the ceiling.

Attempting to steady her racing heart, Odette instinctively moved away from Bastian, seeking as much distance as possible. It was only then that Bastian’s realization dawned upon him, as he noticed Odette concealed under the blanket, curled up in fear.

“Odette, don’t touch me while I am asleep,” Bastian uttered in a hushed tone, his partially closed eyes now open. His voice possessed a soft yet chilling quality.

“I thought you had a nightmare,” Odette attempted to justify herself, but Bastian remained silent. His gaze fixed vacantly upon her before he averted his face without a word.

“…forgive me.” Eventually, Odette yielded and offered an apology. Bastian, however, maintained an impenetrable silence, as though erecting a barrier between them. It felt as if the man who once yearned for her and the man who coerced her into accepting his gift existed solely within the realm of Odette’s dreams.

Confusion filled Odette’s gaze as she observed Bastian, unable to comprehend the true nature of their current situation. He remained a man shrouded in countless enigmas, leaving her uncertain of the depths of his heart. The longer they spent together, the more questions arose, further intensifying the sense of mystery that surrounded him.

“Alright, good night, Bastian,” Odette uttered, summoning her final ounce of courage.

“You too,” Bastian responded tersely, accompanied by a faint smile. He then reclined, returning to his previous position on his back.

It marked the first instance of such an occurrence since they had begun sharing the same bed. Just as Odette believed they were growing closer, Bastian once again retreated to a distant place. Resigned to the growing distance between them, Odette enveloped herself in the warmth of the blanket and shut her eyes.

Ultimately, Odette arrived at a single conclusion: she could not comprehend this man. The uncertainty surrounding him posed a threat not only to her own life but also to Tira’s. She refused to become a woman consumed by the allure of a treacherous poison.

With that final notion lingering in her thoughts, Odette closed her eyes, bidding farewell to the turmoil within her.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

As dawn drew near, the rain that had persisted throughout the night finally ceased.

Theodora, immersed in slumber under the morning sunlight pouring through the clear sky, didn’t awaken until close to noon. Battling a pounding headache, she resorted to pouring herself a generous glass of alcohol in hopes of alleviating the discomfort.

Just as she settled back onto the sofa, clutching the glass, a knock echoed through the door of her bedroom. “Come in,” Theodora uttered, her voice tinged with frustration. Despite her inclination to unleash her anger upon Odette, an overwhelming irritation had seemingly drained her of energy.

Jeff Klauswitz was consumed by his desire to seize the diamond mine swiftly. As long as there was no concrete evidence suggesting it was a trap, he remained convinced that there would be no issues. Theodora, on the other hand, implored him to exercise caution and exhibit patience, but she harbored doubts about her ability to restrain Jeff’s impulsive nature for much longer.

In the midst of her mounting anxiety, Theodora found solace in the approach of Nancy, who presented her with a note delivered by her niece, Molly, dispatched by Odette.

Upon catching sight of it, Theodora swiftly stood up from her chair, abandoning her untouched beverage. A glimmer of delight graced her fatigued countenance, which had been marked by a restless night’s sleep.

“Prepare yourself for departure. We must hurry!”