Bastian
Chapter 30 - The Most Exquisite and Gorgeous

✧ The Most Exquisite and Gorgeous✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“I must admit that the haste with which I prepared for the wedding is unmatched in all my years on earth.” Countess Trier expressed her amusement with a laugh and a shake of her head.

Her day began with a visit to the jeweler, in search of the perfect gift, and continued with a stop to inspect the finished wedding dress. Next on her agenda was a meeting with Mrs. Gross, the chief planner for the groom’s side, to finalize some of the wedding details scheduled for the upcoming weekend. For the past month, every day had been a battle, filled with similarly grueling tasks.

Amidst the clatter of carriage wheels and horseshoes, a smile lit up the Countess’s face as she heard the words, “Thank you, Countess”.

As Countess Trier gazed at the seat across from her, she was struck with wonder. There sat Odette, dressed in a lavender muslin gown, her smile as radiant as a sun-kissed summer day. The dazzling jewels adorning her person, bedecked with diamonds and pearls, lent an aura of sophistication to her already stunning appearance. In a mere month, Odette had undergone a remarkable transformation, blossoming into a completely different person.

“It is I who should be grateful, for I am relishing the joy of spending money as if it were water.” Countess Trier waved away any thanks from her companion.  With eyes filled with admiration, she surveyed the work of art created by the combined efforts of Bastian Klauswitz’s wealth and her own vision.

In a stunning display of chivalry, he made a personal visit to the Countess’s opulent abode to deliver the news of his proposal, an evening that followed his visit to Duke Dyssen at the hospital. 

The suddenness of his decision was unexpected, but it was the announcement of the wedding date, which he had boldly finalized and relayed to her, that left her utterly astonished. Despite the barrage of shocks, it was a testament to her fortitude and divine grace that her heart did not falter, leaving her to bask in the glory of her own beauty and elegance.

Bastian had but one request for her – Make her the most exquisite and gorgeous. Without hesitation, he assured her that the cost was of no concern, and true to his word, provided an endless stream of cash, as if from a fountain of never-ending wealth. 

“When I first laid eyes on you, I had a sense deep within that perhaps I could make this marriage a reality. And now, look at us,” Countess Trier’s smile beamed with radiance as she wrapped her hand around Odette’s, adorned with an engagement ring so stunning that even her slender finger appeared almost too delicate to support it.

The extravagance of the gift was almost too much to comprehend for an engagement that had barely lasted a month, but there was simply no reason to deny her this symbol of love and commitment. 

“It appears that your fiancé’s wealth far surpasses what the world had imagined,” the Countess remarked, unable to contain her surprise. “The Emperor’s desire to protect his daughter has inadvertently extended to protecting his niece as well.”

As the Countess released Odette’s hand, she deftly unfolded her fan with a flourish, casting a mystifying aura about her. Odette continued to smile enigmatically, exuding a quiet and graceful demeanor that left the Countess in awe. It was clear that Bastian’s choice in proposing to Odette was unparalleled and simply extraordinary, as the Countess was once again convinced of his impeccable taste. 

The air was electrified with anticipation as the proposal reached its climactic moment, and when he finally popped the question, it was nothing short of perfect.

Seven years had passed since the great antiquarian’s departure from the world. In that time, his legacy had been silently fading away, until it was just a distant memory. The rumors and speculations had died down, and the heir, the grandson, remained quiet.

The hidden financier, who once dominated the era, had been relegated to obscurity.

But while the world had forgotten about him, Bastian Klauswitz had been quietly making a name for himself. He graduated from the military academy as planned, and had been commissioned as an officer. He was living his life with discipline and dedication, just like a true soldier.

Bastian had kept his wealth a closely guarded secret, giving only vague hints about his financial status. However, as soon as the decision to marry was made, he sprang into action. It was as though he had been waiting for this moment, biding his time until he could reveal the true extent of his riches. And in choosing Odette as his bride, he had made a shrewd move, selecting the perfect trophy to showcase his new and impressive leap into the upper echelons of society.

“Have you seen the wedding hall yet? No? Well, tomorrow we have a little time to spare. How about we go together?” Countess Trier spoke with a hint of excitement in her voice. Her mind was already racing with anticipation for the chaos that would ensue when they revealed the grandeur of the wedding venue. She couldn’t resist the temptation to witness the expressions on everyone’s faces as they marveled at the magnificence of the place.

“Thank you, but I believe I’ll have the chance to see it soon enough. You’ve been working hard, Countess Trier, so please take the time to rest tomorrow.” Odette’s composure was unwavering as she declined the offer with a polite smile. It was as if she already knew every detail of the wedding hall and the upcoming wedding. 

Countess Trier couldn’t help but wonder why Odette was so serene and composed throughout the entire wedding preparation. It was as if she had already lived a hundred years and had seen everything life had to offer. Despite her age, she carried herself with the grace and poise of an old soul.

The Countess knew that Odette was not like any other bride she had seen before, but she chose to keep quiet about it. It was clear that Odette was dealing with a lot, especially with her father’s recent accident. Even though he was far from perfect, he was still her father, and the news had undoubtedly taken a toll on her.

Bastian Klauswitz resolved the Dyssen family crisis with a swift stroke of his wealth. He spared no expense in ensuring the Duke’s recovery, securing him in a top-tier convalescent hospital near Ratz. It was a luxurious confinement, a gilded cage where the Duke was destined to spend his remaining days.

As for Tira, the Duke’s illegitimate daughter, Bastian arranged for her to attend an elite girls’ school in Carlsbar. With the wedding behind them, Tira would be swiftly sent away, effectively banishing the entire Dyssen clan from Odette’s life.

A wave of regret swept over Odette as she said goodbye to her sister, but the Countess saw things differently. She viewed this as a chance for Odette to release the weights that were no longer useful to her and set off on a journey of self-exploration.

The Countess admired Bastian Klauswitz’s audacity in acting without regard to reputation or appearance. Closer inspection revealed that his strategy was shrewd and uncomplicated, conveying a feeling of direction and clarity.

“Saving the good gift until the last minute is actually a good idea,” Countess Trier remarked. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ɴøᴠel Fɪre.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

As they traveled, the carriage came to a halt upon a signal. To their surprise, the staff of Sabine dress shop had gathered on the main street to greet them.

Odette quickly descended from the carriage after rearranging her clothing.

The priceless gem, the grandson of the antique trader discovered was incredibly elegant and lovely today.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

For a long time, Sandrine couldn’t speak, her amazement leaving her gasping for air.

During a little awkward pause, Lucas said, “I’ll be taking a walk in the garden for a time,” to break the ice.

Lucas rose from his seat, a perplexed expression etched on his face, as he darted his gaze back and forth between the two individuals before him. 

Sandrine remained fixated solely on Bastian, leaving Lucas feeling like a mere prop brought along to lend legitimacy to his visit to the man’s home on the eve of the wedding. Aware of his lack of qualification to intervene, Lucas simply stood by, a silent observer to their conversation.

Sandrine’s rage had subsided, and a hint of a smile crept onto her lips as she spoke. “I suppose there is one thing I like about you,” she said, her voice carrying a note of amusement. 

Bastian’s attention shifted from the servants hustling about with his bags and settled on Sandrine, curious about what she might say next.

Bastian Klauswitz had arrived in person to break the news of his impending marriage. Despite the gravity of the situation, his demeanor was strikingly nonchalant. He explained that he had been offered an advantageous deal by the emperor, one that required him to enter into a sham marriage for a period of two years. 

The most ludicrous part of it all was that Sandrine’s father had given his blessing to the arrangement, even after Bastian made it clear that divorce was on the horizon. The allure of benefits and titles was apparently too great to ignore, and Bastian appeared unfazed by the whole affair.

With a few deft movements of the abacus, Duke Laviere arrived at a straightforward conclusion: Bastian and Sandrine would remarry regardless, so there was no need to let this interfere with their existing business arrangement.

Sandrine was not blind to her father calculation, but she found it hard to forgive Bastian for his betrayal without first consulting her. She believed that an apology, at the very least, was in order, and so she bided her time. But Bastian, like a fool, failed to offer an apology, and now his wedding day was rapidly approaching.

“The fact of the matter is, you haven’t offered me a single apology,” Sandrine said pointedly, her voice laced with frustration. 

Bastian parroted his response yet again. “I’ve already sought your father’s understanding in this matter, and the Duke has granted it,” he stated plainly.

Sandrine couldn’t help but laugh at the sheer audacity of his words. As she chuckled, a plaid pattern formed on her face, cast by the midday sun shining through the window after hiding behind the clouds for a time.

“For a moment, I forgot that you are just like my father,” Sandrine exclaimed bitterly. “He only cares about money and his mines, not about me.”

“Even with the mine aside, Countess, the diamond mine belonging to the Laviere family is one of the biggest in the world,” Bastian remarked. “You should be proud of that, at least.”

Bastian made jokes while maintaining a serious expression. No, she wasn’t even certain it was a joke.

“You and my father truly are remarkable,” Sandrine said scathingly, her words dripped with disdain as she spoke. “Living your lives by numbers, never knowing the pain of someone with a heart.”

“Is there anything else you wish to say?” Bastian asked sarcastically.

Bastian rang the call bell while setting down the teacup he was holding. After giving the butler a few instructions, Bastian quickly turned to approach Sandrine again while still smiling smoothly.

“I see you’re quite occupied with preparations for your move,” Sandrine remarked wryly. “How does it feel to begin your newlywed life with your stunning wife in your newly-built mansion?”

With a determined look in her eyes, Sandrine held Bastian’s gaze and smiled, refusing to back down. Despite the anger coursing through her body, causing her hands to feel cold and stiff with tension, she managed to maintain enough self-control to hold onto the last shred of her self-respect.

“I can’t say much about newlywed life yet, since I haven’t experienced it myself,” Bastian replied, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his tone. “Perhaps as Countess Lenart, you know it better, since you already had your fair share of it. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Are you trying to insult me?” Sandrine retorted, her voice edged with a mix of anger and hurt.

“I’m just being honest here,” Bastian said, his tone unapologetic. “Although it does seem a bit absurd for both a married woman and a man who’s never been married to be interfering in my affairs, doesn’t it? After all, we both have our own experiences with marriage and divorce.” His words landed with a smugness that finally pushed Sandrine over the edge.

“You’re putting me in an impossible situation, Bastian Klauswitz! Have you even considered who is at a disadvantage here? Or are you incapable of thinking beyond yourself?” Sandrine’s voice rose in frustration, her eyes flashing with anger as she confronted Bastian. 

Bastian’s lips curled into a sardonic smile. “You’re the daughter of Duke Laviere, one of the most coveted brides in the realm. And yet, here we are, having this pitiful conversation. What does that say about you?”

“I beg your pardon?” Sandrine said in a confused tone.

Bastian’s smile faded as he spoke with an air of calculated precision, “Your father’s position and influence were crucial to me, just as my wealth was to him. Our symbiotic relationship has served us well thus far. However, if we were to enter into a marriage, we could solidify this alliance and ensure its stability for years to come. And in you, I see the woman who can offer me the most in this regard. But let me be clear, I do not consider myself at a disadvantage in any way.”

Bastian leaned in and spoke with a hint of conviction in his voice, “My dear, I have a proposition for you. Once I have completed my dealings with the emperor, I plan on marrying you. Your privilege is of utmost importance to me, but if for some reason you are not comfortable with it, I am willing to reevaluate things in the next two years.”

Sandrine hesitated for a moment before addressing Bastian, “Bastian, I . . . . “ her voice filled with uncertainty, 

“Our relationship is what it is, Countess. If you find it difficult to accept, then perhaps it would be best for you to seek another partner for remarriage.”

Bastian’s tone was firm as he spoke to her. His countenance transformed, as if he had donned a mask that he had long since removed. He rose from his seat and addressed the other person, “Perhaps it would be wise to continue this conversation once you have had time to fully consider your thoughts and are in a more rational state.”

Sandrine met Bastian’s gaze with a challenging expression, “And if I have no intention of complying, are you planning to throw me out?”

“Please understand, my intentions are not to disrespect you, my dearest bride-to-be. I simply believe that it would not be fitting for you to be left guarding an empty home.” 

Bastian spoke softly, an apologetic tone in his voice, he gestured to a clock on the fireplace in the parlor, signaling their imminent departure. Sandrine, unable to endure the tension any longer, stood up.

“Thank you for your gracious hospitality. In return for your kindness, I promise to be the most enthusiastic guest at your wedding tomorrow, applauding louder than anyone else in your new home,” Sandrine declared with a smile.

Bastian expressed his gratitude for Sandrine’s kindness, but also politely explained the situation. “As much as I appreciate your offer, it will be a small, intimate wedding at our modest home, and unfortunately, we won’t be able to accommodate uninvited guests.”

As Sandrine watched the back of her beloved departing to marry another woman, her heart felt as though it was being ripped from her chest. The crushing weight of the reality of the situation hit her like a ton of bricks, and she burst into tears, her emotions too powerful to suppress any longer.

Bastian’s footsteps continued to echo in the distance as he walked away, his gaze fixed firmly ahead. Despite the knowledge that he was breaking Sandrine’s heart, he did not turn back until the very end, his resolve unshakeable. It was a moment of heart-wrenching pain for Sandrine, who could do nothing but watch helplessly as her love slipped away from her.

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