✧Wednesday blessed with flowers✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Odette sighed as quiet as she could and set

the letter on her desk with delicacy. There were not many
words on the page, but she was disheartened by the
roughness they conveyed with the lack of words.

‘I concur with Lady Odette. I will reserve a spot in the

lounge at the Reinfeld Hotel on Preve Boulevard for this
coming Wednesday at 2pm.’

Her polite introduction and request for a private meeting

were met with a curt memo from the man that lacked even
the most fundamental decency of a proper name. To make
matters worse, he concluded by dismissing her request in
jest with a dismissive comment.

She chuckled at her stupidity as she realized how ridiculous

everything was.
Tira, her little sister, walked into the room at that very
moment, her eyes wide with amazement at the letter on the
desk. Odette hurriedly concealed the letter in her bag,
plastering on a smile

“Wow, it is truly lovely, my dear sister,” Tira exclaimed as she

opened the door and stepped inside, admiring the
surroundings with innocent wonder. Odette, noticing her
sister’s gaze, quickly hid a letter in her satchel and adjusted
her expression.

“Are you planning to go out?” Tira’s eyes gleamed with

curiosity as she watched Odette prepare to depart.

“Yes,” Odette replied.

“Where are you headed? Can I come along?” Tira asked

eagerly.

“No, Tira, I am going to a meeting with the elders of the

imperial family,” Odette explained to her sister.

Odette left the house with a bulk of dignity and poise,

picking up her handbag and parasol as she went. She
made a promise to Tira that she would come back before
the day was out.

Her ideas and feelings started to whirl as she climbed up

the enormous staircase, each step complicating her choice
of decisions. Her Emotions began to swirl, growing more
complex with each step.

Countess Trier intended to introduce her with Bastian at a

lavish ball that the Imperial Palace was hosting. The
Countess had asserted that this was the appropriate
manner for a socialite to meet her prospective partner and
that the Emperor had also requested it.

But Odette could not shake off the feeling of discomfort at

the idea of being thrown into an unfamiliar world, paraded
around like a spectacle for all to see. She desired a chance
to meet him in a more intimate setting, to share their
thoughts and feelings about this marriage proposal. Surely,
she thought, he would want the same.

Receiving this kind of response—was it really that poor?

Odette inhaled a tiny exclamation as she opened the

building entrance door with a disorganized and
undisciplined thought. Both sides of the road’s flowering
trees were in full bloom. A pink cloud appeared to have
descended over the roadway.

Odette took a deep breath before moving forward and

raising the umbrella. The delicately patterned lace filled the
entire city like spring flowers in blossom.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Bastian and Lucas walked alongside the

Prater River, where the cadets were training with
determination despite the still chilly water.
“Swimming in the spring when the flowers bloom,” Lucas
jested, “Military academies are getting better these days.
We used to swim in the snow in icy water.”

Bastian grinned, his face uncharacteristically calm before

his meeting with his bride.

As they watched the training for a while, the two set off
again towards their destination. Leaving the academy, they
entered the Garden of Water Park, where the blooming
spring flowers made the Admiralty Castle, usually filled with
men, seem almost pleasant.

“How long do I have to do this troublesome thing?” Lucas let

out a sigh as the Navy Headquarters building came into
view across the park. He had once been happy to be given
an important position at headquarters, but now the daily
grind made him long for the days spent on the warship.

As the in-charge of ceremonial training at the military

academy, Lucas was struggling to keep up. But Bastian,
seemingly unbothered, suggested, “If you don’t feel up to it,
why you don’t apply for naval duty again.”

Bastian looked at his wristwatch while speaking in a faint

voice. Before he realized it, the moment had come to deal
with the emperor’s heavy load.

“If I reject the well-earned post, do you think my father will

leave me alone? He specifically ordered me to obey you
without question.” Lucas shook his head and grinned
contentedly. “My dad seems to like you. He said he would
want to take a drink again soon. How do you feel?

“Well, it’s an honor for me.”

“You have a wonderful capacity to cheer up these dreary
old individuals. What’s the trick?” Lucas looked at Bastian
with deep admiration in his eyes and a touch of wonder.
Bastian smiled mysteriously, like a clever fox.

‘Yes, like a dog protecting his pup,’ he thought,

understanding Count Ewald’s actions.

The Ewald family had a long-standing reputation for

producing outstanding naval officers, and so Count Ewald,
in spite of his son’s desire to study literature, felt compelled
to enroll him in a military academy.

Lucas adjusted to reality out of fear of his stern father, but it

didn’t imply he could change overnight. The bunch of self-
described predators did not miss the easy prey because he
had a difficult time adjusting to the military academy.
About a year later, he and Bastian were assigned to the
same dorm. Considering that all children from aristocratic
families stay in private rooms, it was a very unusual choice.

The day Bastian learned that it was a special order from the
superiors, he realized that the weak son of Count Ewald was
nothing more than a blessing in disguise. It was a mutually
beneficial arrangement that was well aligned.

They had formed a deep friendship that served that

purpose, and though it took Lucas a long time to shake off
the stigma of being a misfit, at least he didn’t have to
endure any more abuse or beatings.

It was one of the changes that had taken place since a

senior who spat in Lucas’s face was trampled to death by
Bastian Klauswitz’s boots. His friendship with the Ewald
family had brought him prestige and a higher position
within the Ministry of Navy. As much as the gains he
received in return, his relationship with Lucas had only
stretched and grown stronger, and as long as there were no
unusual incidents, their friendship would continue in the
future.

“Are you going to see her now?” Lucas asked, looking

around and lowering his voice to a whisper. The shadow of
sunlight swaying on Bastian’s face as he nodded.

“Be careful not to get caught, Bastian.” Lucas warned,

meaning not to get seduced. “No matter how good your
lineage is, there is nothing good about being involved with
a woman like that. Sandrine’s marriage will be arranged by
next year at the latest, but if Duke LaViere, who is just
beginning to show favor to you, is disappointed by this…”

“Lucas,” Bastian interrupted.

Bastian halted Lucas’s fervent words by calling his name

softly, and the ever-perceptive Lucas quieted his speech
accordingly.

They parted ways in front of the Naval Headquarters

building. Normally, Bastian would have returned to
headquarters and dove back into his duties, but today, the
allure of a noble lady allowed him to enjoy a relaxed
afternoon.

‘Once you’ve handled it correctly, tidy up.’ He thought,

aligning with Lucas’s own thoughts.

Bastian’s mind was targeted on his plans as he strolled

down the main road connecting the entrance of the
Admiralty to the headquarters. He was planning to apply for
an overseas position once this marriage had served its
purpose. In the meantime, if the princess were to marry and
leave Berg, the emperor would no longer be so demanding.

Being appointed to a rough area was also an opportunity to

make a name for himself, and he had nothing to lose from
this choice. And if he were to marry Sandrine, the daughter
of the Duke of LaViere, after his return, it would be the
perfect ending of a tale that began years ago. His purpose
would be perfectly served. He would finally savor the taste
of revenge he had been waiting eagerly for.

The bell of the clock tower struck 2 o’clock as he walked

through the sunny afternoon, taking his time.

It was a Wednesday blessed with flowers, and the spring

flowers swayed like a ballet dancer in the dazzling sunlight
and sweet breeze.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Odette checked her old pocket watch once

more, anxiously. The appointed time had come and gone,
yet the man’s seat remained empty. The thought of Bastian
Klauswitz’s blatant rudeness made her feel a little more
indignant.
She looked around the garden with its elegant flowers and
cutlery on the table, taking in the perfect landscaping and
decor. Everything she saw was beautiful and luxurious, from
the well-dressed guests chatting to the fantasia played by
a talented pianist.

Why had he called her to this place if he had no intention

of showing up?

Odette surveyed the splendid world around her, feeling like

an ancient way of torture.

The seat that Bastian Klauswitz had reserved was radiating

with extravagance. At the end of the aisle in the lounge,
where tables were lined up on both sides, and in the very
center of the terrace beyond the wide open folding doors,
this table offered a panoramic view of the hotel garden and
fountain. It was a location meant for attraction and
attention.

Resolved to wait ten more minutes, Odette looked around

anxiously. She would have preferred to order a cup of tea to
pass the time, but she did not have the confidence to enjoy
it calmly on this thorny cushion. It was then that a man
dressed in a navy uniform emerged like the dazzling sun in
the hotel lounge.

The officer scanned the room with a leisurely gaze and

summoned the waiter with refined formality, capturing the
attention of all the guests who had been glancing at
Odette.

She became one of the spectators and watched the man

as he made his way across the hall, following the waiter
who had shown her to her seat. He was tall and broad, but
overall, he was a sleek and impressive man. The
moderation in his walk, which showed no sign of haste, was
a perfect characteristic of a military man.

“No way,” Odette thought as she held her breath, dismissing

the foreboding feeling that suddenly passed over her.

The memory of the man she had met at the gambling

house that night floated over the officer who was getting
closer. He, too, was in the navy, and was as tall as that
officer. He didn’t have the usual appearance.

However, the man who frequented such places and

gambled on a low level could not be a hero of the empire
who had been awarded a medal for making a major
contribution.

While Odette was struggling to deny the reality, the officer

entered the terrace. Even though there was blatant
attention, the man was as calm as a stream of water. It was
as if he had wiped out the existence of others and lived
alone in the entire universe.

‘Mighty Lord, It’s him…’

As Odette accepted the fact that it was the same man in

the gambling house, he was already took a strep closing
the distance between them.

The sun was at its peak, a warm and inviting yellow, as they
met gazes.
 ✧Like a Searing Beam of Light.✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Bastian was taken by surprise by what he

saw for a brief period of time.

He questioned whether everything was merely a deception

of the brilliant spring sun or it was a hallucination. But as the
seconds passed and the light did not change, he realized
that what he was witnessing was real.

He lowered his gaze slowly and took in the appearance of

the unknown woman seated in front of him. His winning
stake that night. She was the woman sold to pay off her
father’s gambling debts. Bastian knew that was impossible,
but he didn’t push the issue any further.
The manager, who had been paying close attention,
approached with a cautious question. “Is there a problem,
by any chance?” Bastian didn’t answer, instead, he raised
his gaze and looked out over the terrace railing.

The garden was magnificent, with flower beds arranged in

geometric patterns and marble fountains. He recognized it
as the garden of the Reinfeld Hotel. Walls were decorated
with plaster vines, and shadows cast from hanging shrub
flower pots onto a table placed against a landscape
backdrop. The manager stood out from the crowd with his
unusual mustache and white hair.

Bastian’s gaze returned to the woman, taking in the details

that confirmed he was not mistaken about the location. Her
eyes, large and round, were clearer and more vividly blue-
green than he remembered.

The memory of the nickname for the man who had

gambled away his daughter – the Beggar Duke – caused
Bastian’s eyes to narrow in disgust. The thought occurred to
him – what if all the lies the man had told were true?
Though it seemed impossible, it was the only explanation
for this confounding situation.

“Hi…Captain?” The manager’s voice broke the silence, his

eyes filled with uncertainty.

“No.” Bastian straightened his posture, giving a succinct

reply. The manager, relieved, quietly excused himself.

The fantasy music in the hotel lounge reached its

crescendo. Odette held her breath, overcome with the
same hopeless fear as the night she was sold. Heartbeats
pounding fast in time synching the piano melodies. A small
smile played at the corner of the man’s mouth as he looked
at her. The shadow of his officer’s hat obscured half of his
face, but Odette could see the bitter ridicule in his
expression.

“Are you Bastian Klauswitz.” As Odette was consumed by a

feeling of humiliation that made her head spin, the man
slowly removed his hat.

“I notice that Lady Odette and I have met before.”

The blue eyes and perfectly coiffed platinum hair scratched

Odette’s eyesight like a searing beam of light.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Bastian’s carefree glance switched from the

garden fountain to Odette as the performer left the stage
and the piano began to play once more, filling the narrow
space between them with melodious sounds.

She was still looking down at the end of the table with a
blank expression and was just as pale as the night he had
won her. A dry chuckle came to his lips as he recalled
stealing the emperor’s niece from the real Duke, reinforcing
the ridiculousness of the circumstance.

He was only aware of the Duke of Dyssen’s status as a fallen

aristocrat. Bastian didn’t think much of the information, so
he didn’t feel compelled to look into it more.
As he sipped his moderately chilled tea, Bastian couldn’t
help but wonder if he should have been more cautious. But
even if he had known in advance, he couldn’t have
disobeyed the emperor. The emperor knew that, so he
could have pushed forward with this ridiculous marriage
proposal.

Eventually, Odette raised her head and asked in a calm

voice, “Did you know everything from the start?” Her
expression was as cold as it had been that night, all traces
of confusion erased.

“No, Lady Odette,” Bastian replied. He gave a gentle head

shake and placed the teacup he was holding on the
surface. The intentional use of force produced an audible
and distinct sound.

“Sadly, my imagination isn’t strong enough to believe that

the father who sold his daughter to a back alley gambling
den is a real Duke and that the stake I gained there is the
Emperor’s niece. I’m surprised to see you in this same
position again.” In an effort to be courteous, Bastian slightly
lifted the corners of his lips.

Odette was perplexed at first, but she quickly collected

herself in no time. Even somewhat cold, those eyes were
staring at him. She had a life of extreme poverty, yet she
was still a woman who didn’t appear to have lost sight of
her proud class consciousness.

‘Now that I think about it, the woman was that way that
evening.’ Bastian thought to himself.

Where prayer and pleading had failed to clear the thick air
of confusion and embarrassment, she instead spoke to him
with a regal authority. As he learned of her noble lineage, he
began to understand the woman’s bravery.

The empty pride of the powerless, an attitude that Bastian

detested to the core.

You’ve got to be kidding. He said to himself.

The memory of that night became increasingly confusing

as he thought about the marriage proposal. Bastian stared
at the woman with a look of deep disappointment. The
price he had paid for winning was the daughter of a beggar
duke. He didn’t want to waste his emotions on this any more
than was necessary.

The emperor, who couldn’t win but yet wanted to

accomplish many things, was likely somewhere else.
Bastian simply stared at the woman, his eyes fixed on her
as the steam from his tea cup dissipated. Meanwhile, one
song ended and another began, a beautiful yet boring and
worthless melody, much like the woman sitting before him.

“I beg you to decline this marriage prospect.” Odette

struggled to get her words out after finishing her thought.
“Please inform His Majesty that you do not approve of me,
Captain.”

Odette posed yet another courteous request as she turned

to face Bastian, who was still silent. As soon as their eyes
matched for the first time, she realized it. She was hated by
Bastian Klauswitz, and he had no intention of marrying her
for a surprising miracle.

The hope that the Countess Trier had spoken of never

existed. As she came to realize this, a feeling of unbearable
shame and humiliation washed over her.
The sudden marriage proposal was daunting, but at the
same time, she felt a flicker of cautious anticipation. Even
with such a rejection, she could not give up on her last
unfulfilled wish. It felt as though the man known as a hero
was a beacon of salvation shining through her hopeless life.

“I’m sorry, but I have no intention of doing that, Lady

Odette,” Bastian said calmly, conveying his intention to
refuse.

Odette, taken aback by the unexpected answer, hesitated,

she sat upright. The decorations symbolizing his rank and
position shone brilliantly on his pure white uniform,
intimidating in their splendor.

“Are you aware of the public speculations about the

Dyssen?” Bastian unexpectedly posed an inquiry in a low-
pitched voice.

Odette finally said, struggling to move her lips, “I…I don’t

know.”

“Then, why do you suppose I arrived here?“ His tone was

unsuitable for speaking with a woman as he inquired with a
hint of a riddle.

Odette called out his rudeness, “It would be good if you

could quit talking in riddles, Captain.” Bastian raised his
gaze and nodded coolly while checking the watch on his
wrist.

“It means that I am making every effort to uphold the

Emperor’s loyalty.”

“Do you not intend to accept this marriage proposal, I

presume?”
Bastian smiled hazily and said, “I’m sorry, but that doesn’t
seem to be an option.“

Odette could feel her cheeks burning like a hot stove, yet
she did not give up and endured the embarrassing
situation.

“I want us to act out the role of a couple that has made a

commitment to wed until Princess Isabelle gets married.”
Bastian said.

“I do not intend to assist in misleading the imperial family

as well.” Odette responded.

Bastian teased her, “I think you’ve misunderstood

something, but that’s probably what the Emperor wants,” in
an incredibly courteous manner.

A shield to shield the princess.

Odette knew that was the job that had been assigned to
her; she wasn’t that naive. He must have had a motive for
coming here though, just like her who is also here for a
reason. She once more pretended to be moral on this
subject. It was an appalling move, nonetheless.

“As you can see, I’m a soldier, and the emperor rules the
empire militarily. I comply with his orders, Lady Odette.”

“Don’t you consider the gossip that will circulate and the
harm your reputation in the meantime?”

“It makes no difference. In any case, I’m not a gentleman.”

Bastian’s lips corners twitched slightly in a pout.

Bastian would do anything to protect what was his, relishing

in the beautiful gifts bestowed upon him by the emperor by
divine chance. This marriage proposal was no exception a
deal that was too good to refuse.

“If you dislike me so much that you don’t want to see me

again, I suggest Lady Odette go see the emperor yourself. I
believe the emperor would listen to his beloved niece, who
he had to step in to find a husband for rather than listen to
a lowly naval officer like myself, don’t you think?” Bastian
remained politely plausible even as he spoke words that
crushed her heart,

Odette felt her eyes burn, but she did not avoid his gaze. A
slender shaft of sunlight sliced through the awning’s cover
and separated the two people who were still staring at
each other.

“If you’re not going to do that, then I guess we’ve come to a

decision.” After straightened up his uniform, Bastian ended
the meeting by grabbed his officer’s hat on the table.

“One moment, please!” Odette exclaimed urgently as she

watched him stand up. She knew there were many eyes
upon them, but that didn’t matter anymore.

Odette approached Bastian, an envelope clutched in her

hand. Recognizing the meaning behind her politely
presented request, Bastian let out a sincere laugh for the
first time since their tea time began. “Don’t tell me you’re
going to pay for the tea?”

“Yes, I don’t want to drink tea that is paid by the captain,”

Odette replied. The blush conquered her cheeks and spread
to her neck and earlobes before she knew it, but Odette still
maintained her upright pride posture.
A wind blew through the hotel’s garden in between them.
Bastian slowly lowered his eyes and looked at Odette. The
gentle woman in his way bore the pleasant smell of spring
flowers. It was a quiet afternoon, so peaceful you could
almost hear the petals rustling in the breeze.

“Save your money,” Bastian let out a low sigh and put on his
hat. “It wouldn’t be a bad idea to add to the Duke’s
gambling fund, so that I won’t see the you there again.”

“What is that?” Odette asked, taken aback by his words.

“You lucked out to be sold to me that day, but there is no

guarantee you’ll have such luck next time,” Bastian rebuked
her as if she were an immature child. Despite his soft voice,
his eyes shone with a chilling glow from beneath the brim of
his cap, that sent shivers down her spine.

Odette felt overwhelmed by his presence for a moment. She

knew she had to say something, but she didn’t have the
confidence to do so properly. Odette had no choice but to
stand there and take Bastian’s disdainful glance down her
from an overwhelming advantage.

She never ever wanted to see this man again.

As that earnest wish turned into tears, he smiled slowly. “I

anticipate our next meeting in a place befitting you, a lady
of noble lineage,” Bastian said, leaving an elegant goodbye
before turning around.

Odette, standing rigidly upright, her eyes welling with tears

as she glanced at his back.
The man walked straight through the middle of the room
and out the front door of the lounge without turning around
once.
 ✧Not a Bad Prize✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The city’s landscape abruptly changed beyond

the bridge. The streets were disorganised and untidy, with
crumbling and worn-out buildings lining them.

In between the crooked flagstones of the pavement, weeds

grew, trash was thrown out carelessly, and posters for
labour offices looking for maids and day labourers flitted in
the river air.

Odette paused for a moment to regain her breath; the

weight of the supermarket bag was making her arms hurt.
Even the impoverished residential neighborhood on the
periphery was affected by the city’s pink tint as the sun fell.

Odette continued walking as the discomfort in her arms

started to fade. She had intense sadness as she looked at
the spring blossoms, which had been breathtakingly lovely
just this morning. Her gloom was heightened by the filthy
storefront windows, the uninterested onlookers, and the far-
off cries and obscenities.

“This is who. Oh, it’s the begging duke’s daughter “she

overheard laughter and mockery when she rounded the
corner.

She knew the voice without having to turn her head. It

belonged to the man who owned the grocery store on the
ground floor of her building. She had shopped there when
they first moved in, but stopped shopping eventually when
he started mocking her with vulgar jokes.

“Looks like you’re having a hard time carrying that heavy

load. Is the food in this town so unpalatable that you don’t
want to put it in that pretty mouth of yours?”

The man, who had waddled to the front of the store, leered
at Odette with a gleam in his eye. Though, It happened
every time she walked by.

Odette simply looked ahead and quickened her pace. If it

was just the ramblings of a cruel man, she would endure it
and move on. But the resentment she felt was new and
likely a result of an especially trying day.

As the man’s voice grew fainter, a building of rented houses

came into view.

Odette trudged across the threshold, her steps weary. As

she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the old mirror
hanging over the entrance, she let out a deep sigh she
didn’t realize she had been holding this long.
Odette had set out on the road that morning, dressed in her
finest outfit, but now, as she looked at herself in the mirror,
she felt like a clown in ridiculous makeup. As she turned
away from the mirror, she heard a familiar voice. It was Mrs.
Palmer, the wife of the building superintendent.

“I think another fight broke out in that house. It sounds

serious, hurry up, and let’s go!” Mrs. Palmer exclaimed, her
eyes wide with concern.

Without a faint trace hesitation, Odette started running up

the stairs, her items scattered around her as she climbed.
She reached the top floor and opened the unlocked front
door, only to find a broken vase and shattered glass
scattered across the living room floor. These were things
Tira, her sister, had brought home just a few days ago.

As she heard the roar coming from her sisters’ room, Odette
knew she had to hurry. She ran to the room to find Tira, her
sister, crouched between her closet and the wall, defending
a small box with her whole body.

“Tira” She called after her. It was the box where the sisters
kept their emergency money. Odette’s gaze turned to her
father, Duke Dyssen, who was red-faced and drunk, his arm
raised and ready to strike Tira again.

Without hesitation, Odette ran to Tira and hugged her

tightly, shielding her from the blow that came next. The
force of the blow was so strong that Odette’s hat was
knocked off and sent flying across the room, but she did not
make a sound. She held her sister tightly, offering her
protection and comfort as she cried out in pain and fear.

“Odette! Why are you…” Duke Dyssen stammered, taking a

step back in embarrassment.
With Tira still held tightly in her arms, Odette stood up, her
eyes filled with anger and contempt as she glared at her
father. She could see the fear in his eyes as he glanced at
the box containing their emergency funds.

“Please leave this room immediately,” Odette commanded

with a powerful and unwavering voice.

But Duke Dyssen was not done yet. “This is all because of
that cheeky girl. Seeing you get vulgar day by day. You
have your mother’s blood alright,” he muttered lame
excuses, trying to shift the blame.

But Tira was not going to take it. “No. It is all thanks to
father’s blood that I am shallow!” she yelled in anger.

The room was filled with the sound of curses and insults
flying back and forth as the father and daughter fought. But
Odette had had enough. “Stop!” she shouted, her eyes
closed tightly.

Slowly opening her eyes, she glared at her father, “Don’t

touch Tira again. If this happens one more time, I won’t put
up with it any longer.”

“What if I don’t?” he sneered.

“The thing father fears most will happen,” Odette replied,

unflinching in the face of her father’s fury.

“You dare to threaten your father?” he shouted, but Odette

stood her ground, her resolve unwavering.

This was a showdown, a battle of wills between father and

daughter, and Odette was not backing down. She stood tall,
her strength and determination on full display, ready to
fight for what was right.
Odette was fully aware that her father would never let her
leave as long as she received the pension. For it is
imperative to preserve even the last link to the royal family.
Odette came to the realization that she might be her
father’s biggest weakness the day she learned this.

“You horrible thing,”

As Duke Dyssen sneered at Odette and stormed out of the

room, the silence that followed was deafening. Odette
finally let out a sigh of relief and turned to her sister, who
was still clinging to the emergency fund box, tears
streaming down her face.

Odette gently helped her sister up and sat her down on the
bed. “From now on, just give him the money. It’s better than
getting hurt,” she said, trying to console her.

But Tira was having none of it. “No!” she exclaimed, shaking
her head fiercely. “I will not give up what is rightfully ours.
We will not be victims anymore. We will fight back.”

With a renewed determination in her eyes, Tira stood up,

ready to take on the world and anyone who dared to hurt
her or her family again. Odette stood by her side, ready to
support and protect her sister no matter what. Together,
they were a force to be reckoned with.

“I won’t allow someone like father to rob me of even a dime.

I would rather prefer to get severely beaten.”

“Tira….”

“Don’t make me act as honorable as you,. sister. How is it

possible for a Princess’ daughter to think the same as an
illegitimate kid born to a maid?” Tira screamed as she
pushed Odette’s hand away to examine her cut
face. “Sister, you are totally in the dark. You’re the one who
gets to dress up like a princess and wear expensive
clothing; how can you possibly know how I feel?” Tira, with a
sarcastic comment on her lips, stormed past Odette. The
sound of the warehouse door slamming shut echoed
through the house, leaving Odette standing alone, staring
out the window at the night view of the Prater River. She
watched as a massive warship sailed under the
drawbridge, heading towards the dock of the Admiralty.

With a deep sigh, Odette closed her eyes and began to

undress, shedding the clothes that no longer fit her. She
reached into the depths of her closet, pulling out her
mother’s memento, a beautiful water-blue dress, and the
memories it held that she did not want to recall. The fate of
her cherished shoes, gloves, and broken hat were no
different.

Dressed in her old cotton dress, Odette began to tidy her

hair, which was a mess from her father’s beating. The sun
set on a Wednesday as she cleaned up the debris and
gathered the groceries that had been scattered across the
stairwell. The door to the warehouse where Tira had
retreated remained firmly closed, a sign that her sister
needed more time alone.

Odette headed to the kitchen to make dinner, after

bandaging the wound that caused bleeding.

Princess’ performance was over. It was now time to head

back to the Odette von Dyssen.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*
 “And here is a letter from the imperial palace,”
the butler, Loris, announced with confusion as he presented
the letter to Bastian.

Bastian, who had just finished signing his chequebook ,

slowly turned his gaze to the letter Loris had delivered. An
empty envelope and a wax seal stamped with the imperial
coat of arms, it was a letter that could be identified by its
sender without even opening it.

With an unlit cigarette between his lips, Bastian carefully

opened the envelope, the strong scent of perfume wafting
out as he did so. Inside, he found the name he had been
expecting: Princess Isabelle, the impulsive child who had
caused chaos in his carefree life.

The unexpectedness of her marriage, an apologies, and her

unrequited love.

Bastian read it with a cold and calculating gaze. Nothing in

the letter surprised him. The princess was fixated on her
love, mimicking the old court love poems of a princess and
a knight. As he read the letter, he couldn’t help but feel a
sense of understanding for the Emperor, who had lost his
mind worrying about his daughter.

“Master, I sincerely apologize.” The butler shook his head

and expressed regret. “Her Highness the princess gave me
strong instructions to be sure to deliver it, despite my
attempts to refuse to accept it.”
“There is nothing to worry about.” Bastian got up from his
desk, lit a cigarette, and laughed carelessly.

For years, the princess had been using her personal maid to
mail letters. Although it had been a while since he had even
responded formally, her resolve remained unwavering.

Bastian threw the letter into the fireplace as he crossed the

study. The sinking sun had turned the western sky, which
could be seen through the window, red.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Bastian enjoyed a much-needed evening of relaxation.

He smoked casually and then got dressed for his workout

before leaving the house. The night had come after he had
run through a park in the middle of the city.

Bastian made his way home, following the promenade that

led to the back door of his townhouse. As he stepped out of
a long, relaxing shower, he heard an urgent knock at his
door.

“Come in,” Bastian called out as he tied the belt of his robe.

The butler, Loris, entered the room with quick steps and a
trembling voice. “This is a letter from the imperial palace,”
he said, holding out an envelope.

Bastian opened the window facing the garden and turned

to the butler. Two letters in one day, he thought to himself,
his irritation with the princess reaching a boiling point.
“It’s an invitation to the ball to celebrate Her Majesty’s
birthday. You are now a guest at the imperial palace,
master,” Loris said, his eyes reddening with emotion.

Bastian opened the colorful envelope with an

expressionless face. On the invitation to the imperial ball, his
name, Bastian Klauswitz, was engraved in bold letters, a
clear indication of the reward for agreeing to the marriage
proposal.

“Your mother in heaven would be very happy,” Loris

whispered, wiping away tears.

Bastian nodded and put the invitation down, how his

mother truly felt was unknown to him, but he couldn’t shake
off the feeling of his stepmother in Ardene, who would
probably not be able to sleep at night, and might even fall
ill from her anger.

Bastian switched his attention to the garden, where a

pleasant night wind was blowing, and grinned contentedly.
Odette’s visage drifted briefly over the budding spring
flowers before dissipating.

She would soon see him again..

If that was the case, the payoff wasn’t awful.