Bastian
Chapter Side Story 8 - Dedication

✧Dedication✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

   My dream?

   Bastian pondered the question all the way back to the cottage. It felt strange, like a completely different language.

He had never really pondered this concept before. No one had ever asked him about his dream, not even himself. Dreams had no place take root and grow in his childhood days. He merely endured each day as it came, thankful that he would wake up in the morning to go through it all again. Even after being taken in by his grandfather, his life remained a constant struggle to dismantle the family and prove his worth as successor.

   All his life there had been only one thing, fulfilling his duties, that was all there was. Now those duties were gone and he could just be. The only reason he still endured each day was because of Odette.

   What is my dream?

   Bastian’s face was like that of the calm waters of a lake.

   It was because of Odette why he still lived. His life was entirely hers, he tried to live for her  by fulfilling his new responsibilities and duties, but she wanted him to follow his own dream, so what was it? 

A dream. 

At over thirty years old, he contemplated his dream for the first time and for the first time, Bastian’s mind was empty. He felt like he was stepping from a crisp, clear, bright, sunny afternoon and into a deep, dark, grey fog.

Getting rid of his military uniform and returned to civilian life as businessman, he could almost hear Odette’s voice in his mind, urging him towards this decision. 

Odette was his dream, she always had been. In the past, he had been a choice to advance his goals toward revenge, but those goals had evaporated and Odette remained.

Her dream was his dream. But as he stood at this crossroad, with the weight of his past and present bearing down on him, he couldn’t help but hesitate. The memory of Admiral Ryan’s offer, made on that fateful day in Rothewein, still lingered in his mind like a haunting specter.

 “Bastian…?” 

“Oh! Admiral Klauwitz?!” 

A loud shout suddenly rang out As they came into the village, men from the village lined the road and swarmed around the car as it slowly came into the village. They were all cheering for him.

   Bastian composed himself and lowered the window and offered them a brief greeting. Just the one small gesture delighted the children. It was a common sight whenever he was out with Odette.

   Odette watched him with a kind smile. Most of the village men admired and revered Bastian, he was a war time hero after all and practically every single man in the village was a navy veteran seeing they were talking about battleships and naval battles.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I was so happy to see the admiral that I made a great disrespect.” 

A man who found Odette apologized awkwardly and the group quietly followed suit. However, their eyes remained fixed on Bastian, as if they were in love with him in that very moment.

The hero of the north sea, the Duke of Trosa.

   They praised Bastin with loud cheers, they lined up beside the car and saluted with sharp discipline. Bastian responded in kind before slowly driving away. They remained standing for some time, until the car was out of sight, then returned to their drinks and merrymaking.

   “I think we should have dinner at the market tomorrow,” Bastian said, turning the car into the driveway.  He seemed had forgotten the dream’s conversation a while ago.  In the dark street, his face, touched by moonlight, looked still as a winter night. 

   “Sure, Bastian. Lets do that,” Odette said, unable to take her eyes off Bastian.

She decided not to ask about the truth he hide in the quiet. 

Somehow she felt like she should. 

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Tea time with the village ladies ended just as the sun was setting on another day.

Nina, the gracious organizer, passed around freshly baked cookies and pies for everyone to enjoy. The women had spent the entire day indulging in tea, exchanging thoughts on their favorite books, and engaging in some juicy gossip. Odette was able to join in on the discussion even without having read the selected book beforehand – her own vast knowledge and love for literature were enough to keep up with the lively conversation.

   As her companions dispersed for their homes, Odette found herself walking alone along the riverbank. As she saw the warm lights of the cottage, her pace quickened. The smoke rising from the chimney was a promise to thaw out her chilled bones.

   Pausing at the porch to tidy her hair and straighten her attire, Odette went into the house and felt the heat prickle against her cheeks. The house was silent, not even the dogs came bounding out from their napping places to greet her.

   Thinking that she could surprise Bastian, she tip toed as quietly as she could up the stairs, but as she was about to take the first step, out of the corner of her eyes she saw that Bastian and the dogs were in the living room. Slumped in an armchair in front of the fireplace, all five of them asleep.

   Quietly, Odette redirected her steps. Margrethe, as always, took up the central space on Bastian’s lap. Adelaide and Henrietta to either side and Cecilia practically slept between both armsrests and his legs, while the youngest cecilia snored on his foot.

   Odette barely got close enough to stroke Bastian’s cheek when Margrethe raised her head with a grumble and looked at Odette. She blinked and let out a huge yawn. Thankfully, Bastian did not stir as the pups wagged their tails lightly to greet Odette.

  Odette’s heart sighed with happiness and instead of surprising Bastian, she decided to let him sleep and instead started to tidy away all his document paper and the dog toys that were strewn all over the rug.

The box of treats lay empty, its contents eagerly devoured by the rambunctious pups. They were entitled to a day of rest after their delightful romp and satisfying feast.

   He must be very tired after an eventful day, she thought to herself as she stood before him. His face, stained with the cozy light of the fireplace, looked defenseless and comfortable and her eyes slowly swelled filled with tears. 

He had dedicated his life to her, she was well aware of this and she felt she could enjoy this peace forever, but there was still some doubt in her heart. She was happy living with him like this for the rest of her life, but was it mutual for him as well? Was he truly happy living like this too? This man of action, this war hero?

She could no longer ignore the looming darkness in her mind. The joy of having this man by her side was always accompanied by a twinge of guilt,

    He had spent his whole life as a tool for some purpose. He practically lived to fulfil commands from his superiors even now when all restraint and oppression disappeared. From the scapegoat of devilish greed to the blade of revenge, and now as a prisoner of love. He would always be that way, just that now his superior was her.

A dream.

   Her mind came back around to when they had been talking about their dreams this morning. The look on his face when she had asked him, the uncertainty in his eyes. She won’t let him continue living in the dark cloud of violence from their past. But despite this, she couldn’t bring herself to fully embrace Bastian’s sincere emotions

She knew his wish to return to the life of an officer.

   Odette had realised this when he had not handed in his resignation, but simply put in a leave of absence. No, it was from the moment she saw his eyes staring out at the North Sea. 

So she tried her best. So that Bastian can have another dream. Believing that living a life filled with peace and joy with her would show him how to care for and loving himself, and his mind would change

Until now she still want to believe that. 

   With sadness weighing heavy on her now, she rested a hand on his. He twitched a little as he slept. She knew her contradiction’s mind was funny. She wanted him to be the master of his life, but she dislike the idea of him returning to the navy. There were so many other dreams he could set his heart to.

   Odette closed her eyes, as if praying for Bastian. She planned to help him find a new dream as best she could. When they went back to Ardenne, it would be good to meet all the famous figures of society – the wealthy businessmen, influential politicians, and talented artists. Through these connections, she hoped Bastian could expand his knowledge and perhaps even change her perspective. It didn’t require much effort to arrange such gathering, as the prestigious families of Ardenne had strong ties during the bustling summer social season.

She secretly prayed Bastian would remain indecisive at least for a little while longer

   “Odette…” Bastian said sleepily and cut off her selfish prayer.  

Odette opened her eyes and looked at Bastian with trembling lips. His sleepy blue eyes captured her.

   “It seems I fell asleep,” Bastian chuckled and moved to stretch, only to realise the dogs had him pinned.

   “Its fine, today was your leisure day,” Odette said with a bright smile.

Restless from a sleepless night, Bastian always found himself wandering out of the bedroom at dawn’s first light. But before long, he crawled back under the sheets next to Odette, bringing with him the scent of bitter tobacco.

   “How was the book club or tea club?” Bastian gently grasped her hand, soothing her anxiety with his warmth and grip.

   “It was enjoyable, everyone was so welcoming of me, but Bastian…”

   “Yes?”

   “The next meeting will be here and everyone is looking forward to Marie Byller’s cousin. Is that okay?”

   “Will I have to drink tea and knit lace?”

   “No, of course not, we are doing Felia embroidery next time, mr. Lovis.” 

   “You know I will, Miss Byller,” Bastian said with a laugh that disturbed the dogs awake.

   “You stay rested, I’m going to get dinner started.” Odette smiled and kissed him on the cheek. 

   “No, I’ll do it.”

   “You’re going to cook?” 

Odette was shocked. Bastian’s cooking skills were as bad as his piano playing. He could handle simple tasks like preparing ingredients, but anything beyond that was a daunting feat. Especially when it came to cooking a full meal for dinner.

   “Definitely, I will prepare for you the greatest dinner you’ve ever seen.”

 Bastian rose from his chair and strode toward the kitchen. Odette trailed behind him. As he swung open the pantry doors, the clatter of pots and pans joined with the increasing tempo of her heartbeat.

 With a charming smile, Bastian rolled up his sleeves and began preparing dinner. In no time, the pristine kitchen was transformed into a bustling mess of ingredients and cooking utensils.