Bastian
Chapter 31 - Summer Bride

✧Summer Bride✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The wedding proceedings were held on the hottest day of the year.

Odette warily looked out the window, which provided a wide-ranging view of the ocean. The ceremony’s location, Bastian Klauswitz’s most recent residence, was reached along a pathway that followed the strait. Odette perched herself by the carriage window and gazed upon the sea. The Ardene Sea, aglow with the summer solstice sunshine, sparkled with magnificent silver-white undulations.

As the oppressive silence lingered on, a voice, laden with a hint of remorse, shattered the stillness.

“Your mother had an affection for that very sea as well.” 

Odette looked at the middle-aged man seated across from her with a hint of surprise. It was none other than Grand Duke Reiner, the emperor’s cousin, who had graciously offered to lead Odette down the aisle in place of her father. 

Despite his acquiescence to the imperial decree, the Grand Duke did not conceal his reservations. Their initial encounter took place that very morning within the confines of Countess Trier’s abode, and they had traveled together in his carriage to arrive at their present location. His interactions with Odette thus far had been limited to formal felicitations.

“During the summer, she would grace our family’s villa in Ardene with her presence,” he recounted. Amidst reminiscing about Helene, the Grand Duke’s rugged features were transformed by a gentle expression.  “With her radiance and beauty, she drew affection and hospitality from all those around her. Helene was akin to a sparkling gem.”

Odette only then understood the Grand Duke’s relationship with her mother in its entirety. He was not only her mother’s beloved distant relative, but also a kind-hearted imperial cousin.

“She used to proclaim that the Ardene Sea was the most magnificent of all the seas on this planet. But, that was a recollection from a bygone era, and one can only speculate as to whether her sentiments have evolved since then.” With a wistful tone, the Grand Duke recollected.

“I am certain that my mother’s adoration for the Ardene Sea remains steadfast, just as it was in her childhood. She treasured her memories dearly.” 

With a tender smile and consoling tone, Odette sought to ease the Grand Duke’s sorrow. It was difficult to fathom that the vibrant girl he remembered was now her mother. For Odette, the image of her mother was one of melancholy and anxiety.

Occasionally, amidst the harsh realities of life, a shimmering remnant of the glorious past would break through, illuminating her mother with a resplendent radiance. In those fleeting moments, Odette glimpsed a glimpse of her mother’s true essence – a captivating soul that had been dulled by the hardships of life. With a fervent desire to cherish her mother’s memory, Odette yearned to cling onto those ephemeral moments of brilliance and hoped that those who knew her mother would also hold onto them with equal fervor.

“The daughter of a princess, sold off to the grandson of an antique dealer. It’s a disheartening turn of events, and it leaves me wondering what the future holds for our world.” 

The Grand Duke lamented with a heavy heart. A deep sigh escaped his lips as he furrowed his brow in despair. The world was evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the currents of change were raging like a fierce torrent. Keeping up with the swift pace of transformation was proving to be an immense challenge.

“I understand that the position you’ve been put in is a difficult one, and it’s not easy to refuse the emperor’s orders,” she acknowledged. “Yet, I am incredibly grateful for the invaluable assistance you have provided.”

With a steady and unwavering gaze reminiscent of her mother’s, Odette expressed her gratitude, catching the Grand Duke off guard.

“Orders? “If only it had been as simple as receiving orders,” the Grand Duke remarked with a rueful smile. “In that case, I might have found some solace in carrying out my duties.”

Despite his attempt at humor, the Grand Duke’s expression remained downcast, leaving Odette still perplexed by the complexity of the situation.

The Grand Duke heaved a deep sigh, shaking his head mournfully. “It’s a pity, really. It seems like you don’t know your groom very well,” he said with a tinge of sadness in his voice.

As the carriage rolled through the gates of the magnificent estate, the jewel of Ardene situated on the northern coast, the picturesque scenery did little to alleviate the heavy atmosphere.

“Be ready to dismount.” With a sharp order, the Grand Duke’s voice pierced the atmosphere. He gave the command, his face etched with worry.

Odette felt his fear but chose not to speak, dropping her veil submissively without questioning his motives. As the carriage drew closer to Bastian Klauswitz’s new mansion, the Grand Duke’s heart sank at the sight of the radiant bride. Yet, his momentary sadness was soon overshadowed by a greater shock as the vastness of the estate, complete with a sprawling forest and sandy beach, came into view.

The sheer scale of the property left the Grand Duke reeling, but his thoughts were quickly disrupted by the realization that Ardene was about to get a lot noisier thanks to the arrival of the Klauswitz couple. It was a jarring thought that left him stunned and dazed, struggling to process the sudden turn of events.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Franz’s teeth ground together, his fists balling up tightly in frustration, “Crazy bastard.”

His parents were similarly horrified by what they saw. Bastian smirked casually, which only served to accentuate the feeling of astonishment in the room.

Jeff Klauswitz stood before the magnificent mansion, his eyes wide in disbelief. “What the hell is this?” The grandeur of the building left him gasping for breath, unable to articulate his thoughts.

Its marble columns and intricate façade made it look like an ancient temple risen from the ground. In a moment of surreal disbelief, Jeff counted the pillars – eight, just like in his own Klauswitz mansion. 

But that was just the beginning. As he looked around, he couldn’t believe his eyes. The similarities were endless, from the layout of the building and garden to the shape of the flower beds and fountains. It was as if the Klauswitz mansion had been replicated, down to the smallest detail.

But what was the purpose of this strange mimicry? Jeff couldn’t fathom it. The two identical mansions facing each other, with a crescent-shaped bay in between, looked like a bizarre reflection in a distorted mirror. It was as if someone had taken a decalcomania and folded it in half, creating a surreal and unsettling image.

“Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you.” Bastian shrugged nonchalantly, as if forgetting to mention it was of little consequence. “Funny how things work, isn’t it? Despite leaving your abode due to your heinous treatment, I couldn’t help but feel a yearning for Ardene deep inside me. So when I decided to build a new mansion, it was only natural for me to think of my dear old childhood home. After all, it was so wonderful being beaten and abused every day, don’t you think?” He chuckled bitterly, his words laced with sarcasm, 

“Once a reckless child, now a crazy adult,” Franz muttered under his breath as he surveyed the absurd scene before him. He gazed out in disbelief, as if looking at a mirage in the scorching desert. The news of the sale of the land on the other side of the coastal forested bay to an unknown tycoon had reached his ears long ago. But seeing the result of it firsthand, he couldn’t help but mutter in disdain.

The sight was a familiar one, and so he didn’t pay it much attention. Judging from the grand scale of the construction, it was clear that the owner was not an ordinary person, but that was the extent of his thoughts on the matter.

Little did he know that the madman behind it all was none other than Bastian Klauswitz himself, carrying out his grand plan right under everyone’s noses.

The sheer magnitude of the project left Franz perplexed, wondering how on earth Bastian had managed to amass such a colossal amount of funds. It was rumored that his maternal grandfather was a renowned moneylender, but their family fortune had dwindled significantly in recent years.

Despite this, Bastian had still managed to climb the ranks of the military and accumulate enough wealth to execute his grand scheme.

The man couldn’t help but wonder why someone with such vast resources would choose to live such a tumultuous life.

As Theodore Klauswitz stumbled in shock, Franz rushed to support his mother with a twisted expression of rage and humiliation. Bastian, on the other hand, seemed unnervingly calm despite the chaos around them. “Oh, Mother,” Franz muttered through gritted teeth, his eyes fixed on his cousin.

“Consider it the yearning of a son to emulate his father.” With a courteous gesture, Bastian spoke, “ I aspire for the Klauswitz family’s image of mutual reflection to become a model for the entire empire.”

As he finished his sentence, a sudden intrusion of new guests made their entrance. Franz’s belief of nothing worse happening shattered instantly as he laid his eyes on their faces.

Bastian pivoted and approached the newly arrived Crown Prince and Crown Princess, his countenance undisturbed, indicating the meeting had been prearranged. They exchanged affectionate salutations and took their places at the bride’s side, signifying that this union had been orchestrated by the imperial family.

Franz pivoted and massaged his inflamed visage. The Crown Prince assuming the role of the bride’s relative implied that she was now a member of the royal family and that Bastian Klauswitz was her consort, a far cry from Franz’s earlier belief that Bastian was a hapless creature ensnared in the emperor’s machinations.

“Stay put, Franz.” 

His father’s commanding voice called out to him, as Franz was about to take his leave. The firm grip of his father’s hand on his shoulder sent a shiver down his spine, filling him with a sense of apprehension.

“Father, we mustn’t go any further! It’s a cleverly laid trap intended to humiliate and shame us,” Franz urgently warned, his voice tinged with fear and desperation.

“Speak softly, for there are many ears attentive,” Jeff Klauswitz’s voice dropped to a whisper as he gestured for Franz to do the same and his eyes scanned the surroundings.  Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ NøvᴇlFirᴇ(.)nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

As Franz complied, he suddenly became aware of the curious gazes of the wedding guests trained upon him. Although the event was meant to be an intimate gathering of family members, the presence of so many high society elites meant that any scandalous behavior would quickly become the talk of the town. It was clear that every move they made would be scrutinized and discussed at length in the coming days.

“Fleeing like cowards will only earn us ridicule,” Jeff retorted sternly.

Franz’s voice trembled as he spoke, “Are we not but mere clowns, forced to perform on this pathetic platform?”

“Be the clown for the moment,” Jeff suggested, “it’s more worthy than succumbing to cowardice.” His father quickly made his way to the seats designated for them after whispering the command. Franz moved his feet grudgingly. He was perched on the chair in front of the podium for the wedding when he looked up and witnessed an amazing scene.

A familiar landscape loomed across the bay, and prior to arriving, he had believed that nothing could surpass the grandeur of the esteemed Klauswitz family’s abode. As he nervously gnawed on his lips, the delicate flesh began to bleed. His agitation was interrupted by the announcement of the bride’s arrival, signaling the commencement of the wedding ceremony.

Right after, the commencement of the wedding celebration had begun.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The wedding podium was strategically positioned to face the stunning cerulean sea, creating a breathtaking backdrop. Without a hint of hesitation, Bastian strolled down the path that led to the altar, his ceremonial attire glistening magnificently in the early summer sun. 

While there was a certain degree of splendor to the occasion, there was little excitement to be found. The ceremony followed a familiar routine, with only slight variations to the proceedings. The esteemed Admiral Demel would preside over the weddings, and the guest list comprised of distinguished alumni from the Military Academy and the Navy.

As the gentle sea breeze drifted through the air, it carried with it the delightful aroma of freshly bloomed flowers and verdant foliage that adorned the surrounding gardens. The grand duke, accompanied by his betrothed, made a grand entrance into the ceremony hall, marking the sole divergence from the customary proceedings. Odette, veiled in a diaphanous veil, glided towards Bastian on a bed of sweet summer air. 

Surprisingly, Grand Duke Reiner displayed an unexpected willingness to cooperate, proving to be an esteemed and sophisticated member of the aristocracy. Despite his initial stubbornness, his demeanor changed when Bastian disclosed the nature of their business dealings with his son. Once he discovered whose fortune was funding the affair, the grand duke readily assumed his role as father of the bride.

The grand duke’s lack of true feeling was unimportant as long as he performed his duties, which included presenting the bride as a prominent member of the imperial family and officiating at the solemn marriage ceremony. 

The bride’s regal procession in the grand duke’s carriage and the groom’s vow-exchanging with his lover under the guidance of a recognized and esteemed member of the royal family were, in reality, the only components of the occasion that would be remembered. Bastian and his bride took a minute to enjoy the important occasion that lay before them as they approached one another.

As he entrusted Bastian with taking care of Odette, the grand duke sighed but barely. The warm sunlight that engulfed her delicate palms was in stark contrast to her ice-cold hands. The newlyweds arrived at the podium together, but as they faced one another, Bastian could feel Odette’s dread, which was concealed by her veil. 

As if a modest sacrifice to the gods, she maintained her head bent and concentrated on the shaking bouquet in her hands. But, Bastian had no desire to participate in such a vicious game. Without thinking twice, he pulled back the curtain to unveil her lovely features. He was then rewarded with a view of her breathtaking blue-green eyes, which were wide-open with wonder and amazement. 

Upon seeing her, his lips moved in a smile.

The sight of the bride standing before him brought back memories of the spring night when he had unveiled the face of a woman sold to pay off her father’s gambling debts.

He had taken her discarded fate as his own wife.

Bastian was struck by a mixture of amusement and misery, and Odette seemed to share the same emotions as she gradually loosened up.

Her lips relaxed into a hesitant, slightly odd smile. A smile as lovely as June, it was.

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