Bastian
Chapter 142 - Steel Wall

✧Steel Wall✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

  The Emperor’s dog just bit the owners hand.

   “Look, Major Klauswitz…”

   “I will follow any orders issued by the Emperor, given that he is the military governor of the Empire, but my wife is outside military jurisdiction, so I am not obliged to obey blindly,” Bastian said, committing to his disobedience with respect and loyalty.

   Countess Trier held her breath. Bastian was like a sharp blade that threatened to cut anything in its path. The Countess became even more concerned for Odette’s safety.

   “The Emperor is Odette’s Uncle, which precedes any military rank. That alone is the only thing you need to be thinking about,” Countess Trier said, trying not to let venom lace her words.

   “Well, Countess,” Bastian said with a soft sigh. “If the Emperor really took his Uncle status seriously, he would not have given Odette away. I would have thought you would have realised that better than anyone else.”

   “My God, Major Klauswitz, you really think you have a leg to stand on when you insult the imperial family like that?” Countess Trier was going red with anger.

   “I apologise, I did not think the truth would make you feel so uncomfortable, Countess, please forgive me.” Bastian showed regret with impeccable courtesy. “I have legitimate right to my wife. Tell the Emperor just because he was bestowed with the imperial mandate, does not mean that he can take away using the imperial mandate,” Bastian turned away from Countess Trier.

   The Countess reeled at the insult and had to steady herself on the back of the chair. “Odette can not bring you any benefits any more, you can not use her as a shield against what is coming for you, Bastian.” Countess Trier fumed as she spoke, allowing her voice to raise. “The Emperor is not blind to your efforts, he is willing to let you maintain the benefits you have enjoyed and you will continue to enjoy, out of respect for your titles and deeds, just not with Odette.”

   Bastian stopped as his hand reached for the door knob. It seemed that this greedy little monster will only cooperate if he knows his profits will remain intact.

   Bastian looked over his shoulder at Countess Trier and smiled. “I am well aware that His Majesty has offered excellent trade terms.”

   “Then give up your foolish pride, its what’s best for you.”

   “That’s bullshit. This matter can be resolved other ways,” Bastian declared confidently. The Countess was left speechless. “It is getting late, have a safe journey home, Countess.” Bastian left without saying another word.

   Trembling with anger and contempt, Countess Trier sat down heavily on the sofa. Bastian Klauswitz was like talking to a brick wall. Any further talks seemed a pointless avenue, they were going to have to find another way.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“Please, eat a little more,” the servant said softly.

   Odette shook her head slightly and put down the napkin after dabbing the corners of her mouth. It had been five days since that horrid night and her hunger had yet to return.

   “Have you already forgotten the doctors orders? You must eat for the sake of the baby.”

   “That’s new,” Odette said, trying to divert attention.

   “What is, ma’am?”

   “It reminds me of cucumber sandwiches and lemonade.”

   Dora was confused, but pressed on. “If you leave your tomato soup, I will be disappointed.”

   Dora cleared away the half eaten meal before Odette and prepared the next course. Doctor Kramer had insisted that Odette must be well fed for the baby to grow healthy, and although Bastian had never said anything, Dora knew he felt the same way.

   “Now, just eat as much as you can of this,” Dora said, placing the bowl of soup in front of Odette, complete with freshly baked bread.

   In the time it had taken Dora to prepare the soup, Odette had dozed off in the warm glow of the afternoon sun. Odette opened her eyes, startled when Dora placed the bowl in front of her. After a little struggle, Odette finally held the spoon.

   Odette’s second meal was not finished until late afternoon and by the time Dora helped Odette bath and change into her nightgown, it was already sunset.

   After tucking Odette into bed, Dora brought Margrethe into the room as a matter of course. Usually, Bastian would have returned home by now, but Margrethe’s silence suggested he had not.

   Bastian return home was never fixed. Sometimes it would be late in the afternoon, deep into the night or not until the next morning. In each case, he would stop by for a brief visit, then leave again once he had checked everything was okay. He didn’t even bother to say hello or goodbye to Odette.

Perhaps that’s why it all felt like a dream. His face bathed in the gentle blue dawn. His quiet footsteps came with the sunset. The sight of him departing with the moonlight behind. All of it, every moment. If it weren’t for the warmth of Margrethe’s embrace, she might have believed their first-day conversation was merely another dream.

   “Don’t be too sad,” Dora said to Odette. “It’s because master is busy, doing his best to protect you.”

   “Yes…” Odette replied dreamily.

   “Still, it would be nice if he came back early on your birthday. Its been three years since you got married and not once have you spent a birthday together.”

   “Yes…” Odette said, allowing her eyes to close. She noticed her birthday was approaching, but there was no excitement to be found.

Dora stayed by the head of the bed until Odette drifted off to sleep.

   Odette dreamed away.

   Bastian gave Margrethe back and she was happy.

   Bastian returned her child and she was happy.

   Bastian said goodbye and she watched him go, stared at his back to make sure he really left. She watched him get swallowed by the bright, midday sun.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

There was a lot of reasons to celebrate. Establishment of the continents largest steel company, stock offerings that reaped unprecedented profits and successfully re-bidding of the railroad linking Felia with Belov. It was a year of monumental success, but the mood was very conservative, out of respect for the owner, who was not in a festive mood.

   The closing ceremony ended with a short speech from Bastian. As he stepped down from the podium to the sound of respectful applause, Thomas Muller approached Bastian to shake his hand.

   “Its all thanks to you, Mister Director,” Bastian smiled and shook his hand. 

   His fathers downfall had happened a lot quicker than anyone predicted. Jeff Klauswitz ran all over town, putting out fires as they happened, but he hit his limit and things fell apart. His reputation was in tatters, and his heirs held the worlds ire. Bastian already got his revenge.

   The fulfilment of his life long goal was at hand, but he struggled to find the joy in his victory. He was just exhausted.

   “I heard your father threw the shipping stocks.”

   “Yes. He’s trying to raise funds to save the railroad, but its already too late.”

   “Then we can finish the job as soon as its over. Why don’t you give it a proper finish?” Thomas Muller said.

   Bastian shook his head and smiled. “No, this is enough achievement for my grandfather.”

   “Of course it is, if its your will, I will follow it.” Thomas said, a little regret in his tone.

   Bastian found it would be much more beneficial for his reputation if he let go now, instead of pushing his limits, which would only provoke sympathy for the dying tycoon. Especially with how fickle public opinion can be.

   “Well, why don’t you cheer up a little then? Everything’s worked out great,” Thomas said sincerely.

   Ever since Bastian took control of the Steel industry, things were getting heated, but thanks to Franz’s self destruction, that heat died away as all their enemies directed their attention at Bastian and not the company.

   The false accusations that he was abusing his wife resurfaced and that he was a child who ate his father. Bastian felt like this was going to be his final chance and that if he could just get through this crisis, he could leap far beyond the reach of such jealousy.

“It seems like the case will be resolved without complications. I had a conversation with the police chief this afternoon, and he confirmed that it has been classified as self-defense, with no plans for further investigation.”

“Thank you, Mr. Director, and I look forward to seeing you in the new year.” Bastian left the celebrations early and made his way out of the building to a car that was waiting for him. The driver saw him approach and opened the passenger door. It was unlikely that Bastian would be able to get behind the wheel himself for awhile.

   Bastian wasted no time and climbed into the back seat, leaning his head back, he closed his eyes. The headache was already starting up, maybe it was from the lack of sleep.

   Overcome with fatigue, by the time Bastian opened his eyes, he was already pulling into the centre of Preve Boulevard. The city was blanketed with festive cheer and decoration. Colourful lights, loud music and the smell of roasted nuts.

   As Bastian looked out at the world with tired eyes, he realised that time had flown by too quickly. It would be Odette’s birthday soon.