Bastian
Chapter 37 - A Grateful Person

✧A Grateful Person✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“What does it feel like to be a newlywed? How are things for you going?” Tira asked an intriguing question as she talked about her dorm experience and recent friendships.

“I’m doing quite well myself,” Odette replied calmly after replacing the handset.

Tira raised an eyebrow inquisitively. “Is that all?” she asked.

After much contemplation, Odette smiled, “I’m feeling quite comfortable and finding enjoyment in things.”

“Where’s the new bride who was describing her newlywed life so poorly?” Her explanation caused Tira to burst into laughter, “You’re more like the dorm president than anything, with how strict you are.” Tira’s voice then softened as she reigned in her excitement.

“Hey, sister.”

“Yes?” 

“Thank you.” Tira expressed her gratitude with a heartfelt

“For what?” Odette asked confusingly. 

“Just all of it. I think I understand now that we live apart and that sister loves me very much. So, thank you and sorry again.” Her emotions shifted as she went from excitement to tears, “Are you happy?” Tira asked through her sobs.

“Yes, I am happy.”

Tira then posed an unexpectedly serious question, “How’s the captain? Does he care for and love my sister very much?”

Odette gradually unfurled her eyes and shifted her posture to rise from her seated position. As she did so, the brilliant beams of summer light streamed through the windows overlooking the ocean, casting a radiant glow upon the unadorned walls of the petite study, the exact spot that Sandrine had designated for displaying her breathtaking landscape artwork.

“Sister?” 

Odette was startled out of her daydream by Tira’s uneasy tone. “Yes, Tira.” She beamed, stretching the corners of her lips into a radiant smile, as if Tira were standing right before her.

“Well…I’m grateful for him,” Odette spoke openly in an effort to ease Tira’s concerns.

Though Bastian Klauswitz’s heartless words sometimes wounded her deeply, Odette couldn’t deny her gratitude towards him. He had swooped in just in time when her family was on the brink of destruction, saving them all from certain doom.

His aid may have been motivated by his own agenda, but the magnitude of the favor he had done for her was unlike anything she had ever experienced before. And for that, she was filled with an overwhelming sense of appreciation towards her husband, even if their marriage was merely a means to an end.

“Phew, that’s a relief. My mind feels so much lighter now.” Tira’s cheerful tone returned in a flash, as she eagerly launched into a discussion about her upcoming weekend plans – a picnic with her pals, a city tour, and even some tennis lessons. It was a life she couldn’t have dreamed of just a mere month ago.

“I’m afraid I have to go now. I’ll give you a ring next time!” Tira’s voice was drowned out by the clamor of her rowdy surroundings, indicating that her friends had arrived.

“Goodbye, sister! Love you!” Tira bellowed at the top of her lungs before promptly ending the call.

“Goodbye, my dear little sister. I love you.” Odette murmured the words she hadn’t had a chance to utter before ending the call. After hearing Tira’s voice, the surroundings felt even more foreign and desolate, as if her sister’s presence had made all the difference.

Preferring not to indulge in her own show, Odette rang the bell to summon her maid. After handing over the mail that needed to be sent out urgently, she received a flurry of new letters – most of which were party invitations.

Sitting down at her desk, she began to sift through the envelopes, starting with the first one. It was from the wife of Admiral Demel, Bastian’s superior, who extended an invitation for them to visit their summer residence.

Odette presented a letter of introduction from the maids who had interviewed a few days prior. “You may peruse it and make a decision at your leisure,” she stated.

As she set the letter aside, the maid presented the next stack of papers. “I believe the current staff at the mansion is still adequate. Is it truly essential to expand our roster of servants?” Odette questioned.

“Master has issued the order,” the head maid replied resolutely as soon as Odette finished her inquiry. Without further objections, Odette accepted the answer.

The household staff were fiercely loyal to their master, and the greater their admiration and reverence for him, the more discontent they harbored towards the hostess.

They did not dislike Odette personally; rather, they did so in opposition to her social standing and family. They considered their master’s decision to marry a woman of low birth, who had led a fulfilling life without it, as a grievous affront. They thought their master had overcome the restrictions of the old world, but his marriage to Odette, only brought him to his knees once more.

Odette comprehended the root of their animosity towards her. Bastian, being the grandson of an antiques merchant, was ostracized by the aristocratic society. But, to the common public, he was the personification of the future and their victor.

“I’ll eat a quick lunch here. “Odette read the last of the letters and then made a kind request. The time for a return trip arrived as the busy days of accommodating the stream of visitors came to an end. The summer seemed to have vanished by the time this task was done.

Odette was about to ask Bastian’s opinion after choosing her invitations when the head maid graciously showed up and presented a sumptuous spread fit for a royalty. A neatly organized platter of freshly made lemonade was served to go along with the expertly made cucumber sandwiches and the cool bowl of chilled tomato soup. This wasn’t just any ordinary meal; it included a carefully chosen assortment of foods that weren’t usually among Odette’s likes.

“Thank you, Dora. Go take a rest now.” Odette quickly thanked Dora for her tireless work and motioned for the maid to take a well-earned rest. She finished her sandwich and looked at the catalogue the interior decorator she had met the day before had put on her desk.

Odette realized that a trip to the artist’s workshop was necessary in order to fulfil the timeframe for choosing the ideal picture to hang on the library’s walls. It was essential to examine a priceless piece of art in person before making a choice.

“Dora, is there anything else that requires my attention that I may assist you with?” With a gentle yet commanding presence, Odette asked of the head maid who still lingered in the room.  S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Nʘvᴇl(F)ire.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

“O no, Madam. If you need any additional help, don’t be afraid to call me.” Dora immediately changed her expression and made a courteous bow before leaving. Odette continued to enjoy the last bites of her sandwich and the last ladle of soup as the door softly closed behind her.

The head maid overlooked one important aspect about Odette: her extraordinary capacity to put up with things she disliked. 

She persevered with the lunch despite being a little irritated by the extremely sweet and sour lemonade. Odette soon left the quick meal behind and jumped back into her job as hostess. She was determined not to cause any trouble again as the weekend was coming up rapidly than expected.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“Master, you ran faster than normal today.” Butler Lovis greeted Bastian with a beaming smile. 

In his moments of respite, Bastian found solace in the rhythm of his daily jog through the park. The distance and duration of his route remained unwavering, a testament to his steadfast discipline. After suffering a setback upon returning from Trosa, he had seen a marked improvement in his speed in recent days, surpassing his previous records with ease.

 As Bastian returned home, a smile of contentment graced his features, but he remained silent. Butler Lovis, anticipating his needs, trailed closely behind, bearing a refreshing cup of lemon-infused water, thoughtfully prepared beforehand.

“I have arranged for additional staff to be stationed at the Ardene Mansion. Coupled with the servants who will join us when the Master relocates overseas, we shall have a surplus of staff.” Butler Lovis trailed Bastian like a loyal shadow and uttered. 

Bastian acknowledged with a swift node, drained his glass of water in a single gulp and returned it to the tray. “I am grateful for your efforts. I will be heading out in an hour. I shall drive myself, so there is no need for a driver.” 

“Understood, Master. I shall have the car prepared. Will you be departing for Ardene immediately after dinner?” 

“No, I will be spending the weekend in Ratz.” 

Lovis’ eyes widened, “Madam must have been waiting for quite some time, then.”

He didn’t say anything beforehand, so preparations for his arrival in Ardene must be well on. Bastian, however, seemed totally unconcerned so Lovis stopped interfering.

“I shall inform Madam that due to your workload, Master, you will be spending the weekend in Ratz.” Lovis was so able to ease the surprise situation by offering this suitable alternative.

With a nod Bastian dismissed Lovis and gave him a look that hinted at his desire to be alone. Lovis lingered for a moment, watching his master ascend the stairs. 

Despite his busy schedule, Bastian made it a priority to spend time with his new bride on weekends. Lovis couldn’t help but feel a tinge of regret that his master’s newfound marital bliss would go unacknowledged. 

However, he knew better than to seek any kind of response from Bastian, so he simply swallowed his disappointment and carried on with his duties.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

For the first time in a very long time, Odette wore her favorite outfit. Bastian was not delighted with the clothing because it was so light blue.

Odette added a pair of tiny pearl earrings to complete her decor. Her face had a bright smile and liveliness for the first time in a long, with little to no makeup on.

An unexpected weekend without her husband left her feeling a bit disoriented, but she quickly formulated a solid plan. Her first order of business was to head to Ratz to select some paintings, followed by a leisurely private tea time.

A tranquil outside cafe seemed preferable to a plush hotel lounge that appeared to have been converted from a social hub. She got an idea of choosing some books from a neighboring bookstore to read.

Odette turned around with her handbag and parasol in hand and be greeted by her driver. 

“Hello madam, this is Hans. Which car will you be requiring, madam?” He asked in an extremely polite way, leaving Odette a bit taken aback by the outrage of the question.

Odette furrowed her brow, deep in thought. The unfamiliar language and customs of the mansion left her feeling bewildered. “I’m sorry, I’m still getting the hang of things here. Could you please explain in more detail?” 

Hans, the attendant, nodded reassuringly, “Certainly, madam,” his kind smile put her at ease. “The cars that had been kept in a different warehouse were transported to the new mansion’s garage. You can select the cars here based on your preferences because that is where the master frequently drives. Do you want to see it for yourself?” asked Hans politely.

“Yes, I would like that.”

Odette showed an awkward expression. It appeared as though she had stumbled into a Wonderland. This feeling intensified as the attendant led the door to the garage to open.

Cars of all sizes and hues were neatly arranged in a line. She was perplexed by the scene because she had imagined no more than two cars to the most.

Hans gestured towards the rows of sleek cars lined up in the expansive garage. “If you’re not inclined towards a car, we could arrange for a carriage,” he suggested.

Odette’s eyes widened as she took in the sight of the impressive vehicles before her. “Uh… no, I don’t think that will be necessary,” she rejected, her gaze still fixed on the collection of cars.

As the image of Bastian’s request replayed in her head, Odette tried to compose herself as a gracious hostess, but the strange sight in front of her was difficult to shake off. “Can you tell me which car my husband uses the least?” she asked, and after some hesitation.

“Hmm… This one, I believe, madam.” Hans pointed to a gleaming yellow convertible tucked away at the back of the garage.

“I’ll take that one, then.”  Odette reacted as if she had just finished a difficult assignment.

She appeared to need a little more time than she had anticipated to get used to the Wonderland environment.

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