Bastian
Chapter Side Story 22 - The Light of Recording Love

✧The Light of Recording Love✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“Master has already finished his preparations and has made his way to the reception room,” a servant relayed Bastian’s whereabouts to the lady of the house. Gently opening her eyes, Odette caught sight of him reflected in her vanity.

“Thank you, please let him know I’ll be joining him shortly,” Odette said, her voice warm and her smile gracious.  She then softly closed her eyes once more, straightening her neck gracefully as her maids applied the makeup. The poofs of fine white powder mingled with the dust turned golden by the setting sun. Once the make up was applied, the fine jewels returned by her mother were adorned around her neck and the tiara gently seated within her elaborately braided hair.

   A knock came at the door as her makeup was finished. “Madam, the first guest has arrived,” Dora said, standing politely at the door after returned from checking the banquet hall

“It must be Countess Trier,”  Odette guessed, her lips curving into a gentle smile as she gestured to another maid who was ready with a jewelry box. Her mother’s necklace and earrings inside, a gift from Bastian,  matched the aqua dress designed especially for today’s occasion. Soon, her mother’s crown was delicately placed upon her head, completing the ensemble.

   “Yes, ma’am.”

   “You can show her into the lounge where there is refreshments to enjoy, I will be down shortly.”

   “I did suggest that, ma’am, but she said she had some important matters to discuss. She is with Admiral Klauswitz in his study, ma’am,” Dora explained with a troubled face.

“It’s alright, Dora.” Odette had expected this. For this secondary anniversary, Odette had planned out a huge banquet and party. It quickly became one of the largest social events of the season, all thanks to Countess Trier who had managed to convince some of the more steadfast and bull headed nobles that were refusing to accept Bastian into the ranks of the aristocracy. Thanks to Countess Trier, even the most stubborn of the lords and ladies decided to give Bastian a chance and were now coming to the party. It was poised to become the largest event of the summer social season. 

Odette extended her heartfelt thanks to her and shared details of a special plan she had orchestrated for the evening. The Countess, her interest immediately piqued, listened intently. Aware that they had something special planned, Countess Trier offered herself up to assist. She came early to help prepare.

Odette accepted her proposal shyly, but without hesitation. After all Countess Trier had played a pivotal role in orchestrating her marriage made her an undeniable choice to be a witness to this momentous occasion. 

   Once the final adornment was in place, the royal sash across her chest, Odette stood from the vanity and made her way out of the bedroom to go and rendezvous with Bastian and Countess Trier. Odette almost jumped out of her skin when she pulled open the door and came face to face with Dora, about to knock.

   “The Duke and Duchess of Demel have arrived, ma’am,” Dora said without flinching.

   Odette looked at Dora in shock, then over at the clock above the fireplace. She got the sudden fear that she was late, but no, the Demel’s were an hour early. Duchess Demel was certainly a lady who would be aware of such conventions.

   “Oh, okay, show them into the guest lounge, they will have to wait, we are not ready.”

   Dora gave a bow and rushed off, but before Odette could even step ten paces toward Bastian’s private study, Dora came rushing back.

   “Ma’am, the Kramer family have just arrived.”

   Odette suddenly felt over whelmed when the servant announced another arrival. Maria Gross, Thomas Muller, even the Crown Prince and his wife. “Fine fine, they will just have to wait in the guest lounge until we are ready and it will serve them right for turning up early.”

   “That’s the other thing,” Dora said and Odette gave her a confused look. “They all refused and wished to speak with Bastian in his private study.”

   There was only one explanation for this, Countess Trier could not keep her lips shut and had blabbed to the Demels and the Kramers. It seemed like the whole damn guest list were aware of her little plan.

Odette looked out the window to the darkening sky. It was a difficult situation to be sure, but it was too late to alter the plans now that everybody was in place.

“The photographer is here,” announced the eagerly anticipated news. With a resigned smile, Odette emerged from the bedroom, her steps measured and graceful.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The photographer looked about the gathered crowed nervously. He was only supposed to take a picture of the Klauswitz couple before the party started, but it seemed like the party was already in full swing. The guests gathered around in the grand hall and chatted amongst themselves quite boisterously and he had no idea what to do with himself. 

The discussion largely focused on tips for the commemorative photo, as everyone vocally championed their favorite styles. Despite the chill that ran down his spine, the photographer mustered his courage, seeing this as a prime opportunity to cement his status as Ratz’s top photographer. He knew he couldn’t let this godsend slip through his fingers by appearing like a novice

   “Ah, there you are, welcome Mr Verner, its been quite the hot day, hasn’t it,” a commanding voice cut through the crowd. Snapping out of his momentary trance, the photographer swiftly adjusted his stance and made his way towards the day’s highlights. The Klauswitz couple’s towering presence made them a focal point in the crowd, each standing a full head taller than the typical gentleman or lady.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, I am Admiral Klauswitz.”  The photographer, previously mesmerized by the princess’s beauty, turned to see the grinning face of Bastian looking down at him, a hand out stretched for a greeting. He managed an awkward smile and shook the hand offered to him.

Bastian, clad in the full regalia of an admiral’s naval officer uniform, bore his chest proudly decorated with medals and ribbons that spoke of his valor and accomplishments. The medals’ brilliant gleam only amplified the aura of authority radiating from this formidable figure.

“I’m Odette Klauswitz. I look forward to working with you,” Odette introduced herself, extending her hand in greeting.

The photographer, catching his breath, hesitantly accepted Odette’s handshake. It was a simple courtesy, yet he found himself engulfed in nervousness, casting furtive glances towards her husband. The admiral’s indifferent expression did little to ease his tension. Surrounded by onlookers eagerly throwing in their two cents about the shoot, the photographer felt the pressure mounting.

   “Shall we begin?” Bastian said, taking command of the situation. He shooed all the guests out of the way,  making room for his photo equipment to be positioned. The assistants, who had been idling by the reception room’s entrance, now hustled in with the camera and reflectors in tow.

With the scene under control, the photographer took charge, setting up his camera and evaluating the lighting angles meticulously. A chair for the admiral had been positioned on the balcony, a deliberate choice by the Klauswitz couple who wished to replicate the setting and composition of their first wedding photo. They politely declined any suggestions to incorporate trendy props or follow contemporary styles, preferring to honor their original moment.

Though the photographer was somewhat disappointed, chose to release any lingering regrets. He realized that decorations were superfluous; the couple alone possessed enough elegance to craft a magnificent portrait.

“Everything is ready,” he declared with confidence, his voice resonating through the space. It was the evening of a perfectly clear day, and the sun was on its descent—casting a golden hue that photographers dream of-— the time when the most beautiful light could be captured.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“Bastian,” Odette said as she sat in her chair. He was playing with her Tiara. Bastian simply smiled as he gently adjusted her ornamentation.

The delicate, diamond star-shaped hair accessory, a prized piece from Princess Helene’s collection, lay within the imperial treasury, its ownership firmly in the emperor’s hands. Retrieving such an item seemed a far-off dream. However, in an unexpected turn of generosity, the empress bestowed it as a token of goodwill. It was a recognition of the Odette’s noble efforts in establishing a foundation dedicated to aiding war victims, a significant contribution to the welfare of the empire.

   “All set now,” Bastian said, having neatly arranged the tiara and finally sat down in the chair next to Odette. He chuckled as he realised the chairs were the same ones from their original wedding photo.

Odette harbored a wish to replace their old wedding photo for a long time, substituting the propaganda photo with a genuine photo before the Ferris wheel at the amusement park was finished. She did not want to hang a propaganda photo from the past in front of a landscape that symbolized eternal love and happiness.

It was only after Odette expressed her desire that Bastian realised they hadn’t captured their new beginning in a photograph. The notion hadn’t crossed his mind. They had been married for a long time and although it was a sham, it was still a photo from their shared love’s history, but it was what Odette wanted, so Bastian agreed.

Bastian faced the camera in the same posture as the past photo, and Odette perfectly recreated the moment from their history.

   The excited onlookers gathered around behind the photographer. “See, having her hair up makes her look a lot more dignified,” Countess Trier said in a stage whisper.

“I think it looks lovely, Countess. Among the young ladies of the social circle, long hair style is quite the trend nowadays,”  Maria Gross said. “I think Bastian would suit a more masculine, short hair style though. He looks like some sort of bohemian artist,” she said with a chuckle of jest.

Admiral Demel voiced his discomfort with the itchy sensation caused by his heroically styled hair. “Don’t worry, dear. Everyone will surely recognize you as a soldier just by the silhouette of your figure,” Duchess Demel responded, her tone indifferent as she dismissed her husband’s concerns with a scoff.

   Posture, expression, attire. Amidst the barrage of nitpicking and unsolicited advice, the Klauswitz couple sat through their photo shoot having to ignore the constant tirade of advice. Dr. Kramer stood a step away, observing the scene, while Thomas Müller had also distanced himself from the group. 

As they shared a glance and exchanged weary smiles, the final touches to the shoot were put in place.

“Alright, ready to take the photo!” the photographer announced, turning back to his camera and raising his voice. The arguing guests fell silent, their attention now fixed on the Klauswitz couple.

The balcony fell into a momentary hush, caressed by a serene evening breeze and the distant murmur of waves. Bastian’s smile softened as he turned towards the camera, while a radiant smile lit up Odette’s blushed cheeks.  Although it seemed hard  to replicate the exact same photo as before, the photographer decided to embrace the slight changes.  Capturing the maturation of their love over time was considered far more meaningful.

 What stood out most was they looked a lot more comfortable and happy together than they had done  in their previous photo. The sky, caught in the embrace of day and night, blazed with colors of deep affection. The sea below mirrored this spectacle, bathed in the same vibrant hues. In this enchanting summer evening scene, straight out of a fairy tale, a photograph that captured love in its purest form was born.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

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