Bastian
Chapter Side Story 17 - The Elegant War

✧The Elegant War✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The Klauswitz box was situated next to the box owned by the Emperor. Their box was originally owned by some Count, but they lost their membership when their fortunes declined.

   “Congratulations on your membership, Odette. I’m so happy we can enjoy performances together at this theater.” the Crown Princess said, leaning in close to Odette. They had come to the Klauswitz box to pay their respects to family and watch the first act together.

   Odette reflexively sat up a little straighter and gave the proper polite greetings in return. Odette also offered a greeting and a smile to the crown prince, who did not say anything. Odette had become quite used to the standards of Berg’s social etiquette pretty quickly, which was some what stricter than what she was used to in Felia, but overall was similar, making it easy to learn.

   “My husband and I have been looking for to today, isn’t that right Bastian?” 

Odette tried to bridge the gap between Bastian and the Crown Prince by arranging for them to watch the first act of the opera together, as honored guests.

   Bastian had been exchanging nods and greetings to a senator in a near by box. He turned and smiled, joining the conversation naturally. They covered simple small talk, exchanging details of latest trends in the art world, news about the royal family’s relatives and their expectations for the performance. Bastian smoothly carried on the conversation, even discussing topics he had no interest in. This was a successful first step and embarrassed Odette, who had been worried.

   Odette looked over the lip of the box, down at the gathered masses with joy in her eyes. The theatre, with its purple velvet tapestries and gold leaf wood work was in itself a work of art. The circular ceiling was decorated with intricate murals and a huge, bronze chandelier that hung from the centre of the dome, it’s more beautiful than she had imagined from her mother’s stories.

“So, how do you feel to finally be a member of the opera house?” As the performance neared, the Crown Prince asked one last question to end their conversation.

‘My feeling, huh?’

Bastian looked around himself, taking in the décor and fixtures. Becoming a member was purely for Odette’s sake and so long as she was happy, Bastian was happy. If it had not been for her love of music, Bastian would never have opened his wallet for such a boring place. He had no more feelings than that, but that wouldn’t be an appropriate answer here.

Bastian scanned the theater, searching for an answer. A middle-aged man, once friends with Jeff Klauswitz, sitting on first floor pointed towards their box before quickly looking away.

   “It’s quite dazzling,”  Bastian calmly said, looking at the chandelier’s light shining above the man’s bald head. Odette sighed, her expectant gaze turning to disappointment. Fortunately, the Crown Prince did not catch the ambiguity in Bastian’s tone. 

     The lights began to dim and Odette was sure she saw a brazen smile flash across Bastian’s lips. Just as she was about to scold Bastian for mocking the Crown Prince, the theatre went completely dark and the orchestra roused.

   Bastian chuckled and took Odette’s hand as he noticed the scolding look on her face before being engulfed in the darkness. She didn’t refuse, as the audience still watching them even though the opera curtain rose. Any public quarrel would be dangerous. Better to be criticized for showing too much affection.

Odette straightened her back and turned her gaze to the stage. A man in garish attire waltzed onto the stage and Bastian leaned into Odette, who was still staring daggers at him, to share a joke. His head illuminated by the stage lighting. Her stern expression broke and she burst into a laugh, muffled by her hand.

   Bastian quietly observed her as her expression warmed. He gripped her hand in his and gave it a loving squeeze. Another crises averted,  but fortunately, Odette could handle it well. 

The performance on stage had begun. Odette smiled and focused on the opera.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

In essence, navigating the social world was not much different to that of a battlefield. It required meticulous planning, scouting and jostling for advantage.  Insincere smiles and dazzling rhetoric were the weapons. It was an elegant war where the only casualties were egos and social standing.

   Bastian took a deep breath as the second act came to a close and the Crown Prince excused himself and his wife. He was momentarily disheartened when he thought there was another three acts to go.

   “Who will be visiting in the next act?” Bastian said out-load. He crossed his legs while turning his head towards the balcony railing. Odette was still sitting upright, looking at the closed stage.

   “No one has requested to come visit. Looks like we’re going to have to enjoy the last acts by ourself,” Odette said fter surveying the surroundings. She  wore the airs of a noblewoman like armour, but there was a slight sign of fatigue already oppressing her eyes. After a night of fierce social battles, it was natural to get tired, but hopefully she will find her second wind.

   The pair left the box and followed after the Crown Prince to the small banquet hall where they would spend each intermission, to pick out dualling partners, ply some counter espionage and learn new rumours.

   Odette navigated the hall like a fish in the ocean, gliding too and fro, knowing exactly who to talk to and what to say. She facilitated smooth conversations for Bastian with royals and nobles introduced by the Crown Prince’s couple. She was also adept at using her connection with the Navy Wives Institute and the Royal Academy of Arts.

   During the second act, Bastian quickly realised that there was going to be no peace for him, as they had a number of visitors that came to pay their respects to the overly social Odette. There was the matriarchs of the royal family, led by Countess Trier. A few of the most influential artisans of Bergs Art Academy and several senior chiefs of staff from the Navy, all claimed friendship with Odette. 

   Bastian was thankful that Odette had brought the latter as it provided him with people he knew how to talk to. That was when he found out why Generals seeking to rise further in the ranks all feared the Navy Wives Institute. Their influence was greater than any field marshal or commodore.

   “How can one possibly impress the wife of the Chief of Staff?” Bastian chuckled as he watched a couple return to their seat.

   “It’s all thanks to the wives club. We have built quite the friendships.” Odette never even batted an eyelid.

“Ah, friendship. I see.” All Bastian could do was commend Odette on her expertly plied tactical genius.

   The final act was much different to the other acts. People stayed in their boxes and only a few of them were covered by curtains. It seems like the battlefield had grown silent.

“It seems we’re at a truce now.”  Bastian left his seat and went to the box’s private section. Behind the viewing area was a private space for grooming and rest, where everyone snuck off for a break.

“Let’s go.” Bastian took Odette’s hand and led her to the back of the seats. He closed the maroon curtains for privacy and seated her on a long chair near a coat hanger. Then he locked the door, sealing them in their cozy space.

 Odette visibly relaxed in her seat, her straight posture melting away and her false smile becoming her usual, soft smile, but she still mindful to arrange the hem of her dress to make room for Bastian to sit.

   “Get comfortable, Odette,” Bastian said as he approached the mirror hanging on the back wall. Carefully removing her gloves, Odette watched him from her slanted position on the armrest. He grabbed the champagne and flutes on a little side table.

“Just wet your lips.” 

“It seems like I am the only one that’s tired,” Odette said, stifling a yawn before taking the flute Bastian offered her. She needed water more than anything, but a sip of alcohol would do to awaken her dulled senses.

   “Come here and help me out,” Odette said, tapping the seat next to her.

   Understanding what she wanted, Bastian removed  his gloves and sat next to his wife then gripped the soft skin of the nape of her neck to begin massaging her neck.

 “Ah…” Odette let out a soft moan. The body of fierce commander of an elegant war was stiff and tense.

   “You don’t have to over do it,” Bastian said in a whisper. His voice and touch were as gentle as the soft light of the wall lamp, easing her tense muscles.

   “It’s my choice, please respect it,” Odette smiled, losing herself to the feeling of his fingers pressing against her shoulders and working out the tension. Dealing with society’s heightened personalities was exhausting, but also rewarding and enjoyable.

“Does the navy’s power struggle also fall under a princess’s duties?” Bastian laughed and moved his hands on her aching back.

   “The affairs of my family are mine to comment on,” Odette said simply and closed her eyes. 

“I am not so interested in the game of politics, Odette.”

“I want it, Bastian.” Odette turned to him and their eyes met in the dim light that brightened the darkness. “When I worked to get you back into the royal family, it was not so they could exploit you again.”

 “So what if they do?”

“I want you to succeed and reach the top. Bastian Klauswitz is a person who deserves that honor.”

   “Well, Odette, being the nephew-in-law to the emperor, it would be problematic to become a traitor, wouldn’t it?”

   “That’s why I’ve settled you for a throne at the Naval ministry. Don’t worry about it.” Odette said. She revealed her grand ambitions with a cheeky smile.

   Bastian laughed and massaged a particularly sensitive spot on  the ambitious woman’s waist and made her squirm in his hands. It felt like they were the only two in the world, shielded by the curtains, making it clear why the opera house had become known as a refuge for secret lovers.

   “That’s enough now Bastian, thank you. I feel much better,” Odette, realising the last act was going to start soon.

She pushed him away but Bastian did not let up. His large, firm hands reached around her waist and wrapped her around her body. Odette’s eyes narrowed. Even if such playful acts were common, she did not feel it proper to be fooling around. Moreover, today was their first day as a member of the opera theater. 

   “Bastian, the performance is about to start…” 

When Odette tried to say, their lips met and a hot surge pulsed through her body. She could hear the orchestra starting to rouse as she felt her own self rousing at the same time.

   The curtains remained closed right until the last moments of the third act’s first scene. 

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