Bastian

g this marriage proposal.

 

For an unexpected miracle.

 

The feeble hope that the Countess of Trier talked about did not exist from the beginning.
When she realized that, a feeling of unbearable shame and humiliation overcame her.

 

The sudden marriage proposal was frightening, but on the other hand, she felt a cautious anticipation.
This was the reason why, even after receiving such a reply, she could not give up her last unfulfilled wish.

 

It felt like that man who was called a hero was the light of salvation shining through her hopeless life.

 

“I’m sorry, but I have no intention to do that.
Lady Odette.”

 

After a while, Bastian opened his mouth and calmly conveyed his intention of refusal.

 

While Odette, who was taken aback by the completely unexpected answer, hesitated, she sat upright.
Decorations symbolizing positions and majors shone brilliantly on the pure white uniform were intimidating.

 

“Do you know what the rumors of the Dissen are in the public eye?”

 

Bastian asked an unexpected question in a low-pitched voice.

 

“…I don’t know.”

 

Odette finally spoke after moving her hard lips several times.

 

“Then, knowing that, why do you think I came here for?”

 

The man nodded briefly and asked another question, like a child’s riddle.
It was never an appropriate way to talk to a lady.

 

“It would be nice if you could stop talking in riddles, Captain.”

 

Odette pointed out the man’s rudeness in a roundabout way.
Checking the watch on his wrist, Bastian nodded coolly and raised his gaze.

 

“It means that I am doing my best to be loyal to the Emperor.”

 

“I don’t suppose you mean to accept this marriage proposal?”

 

“I’m sorry, but that doesn’t seem to be an option.”

 

 

Bastian expressed regret with a vague smile.
Odette could feel her cheeks burning, but she did not avert her gaze and endured the moment of humiliation.

 

“I think it’s a play that will end when Princess Isabelle gets married.” (Bastian)

 

“I do not wish to take part in deceiving the imperial family.” (Odette)

 

“I think you’re misunderstanding something, but that’s probably what the Emperor wants.”

 

Bastian mocked the woman in an extremely polite tone.

 

A shield to protect the princess.

 

She was not so foolish as to be unaware of the fact that that was the role given to her.
Nevertheless, the reason she came here must be because that lady also had a purpose.
She pretended to be virtuous again on such a subject.
It was a pitiful maneuver.

 

“As you can see, I am a soldier, and the emperor is the military governor of the empire.
When he commands, I obey, Lady Odette.”

 

“Don’t you think about the rumors that will spread and the reputation that will be damaged in the meantime?”

 

“It does not matter.
I’m not a gentleman anyway.”

 

A faint sneer appeared on the corners of Bastian’s mouth.

 

He intended to crawl if he wanted to, and howl if he wanted to bark.

 

Bastian would do anything to protect what was his.
It is a season in which he enjoys the beautiful gifts bestowed by the emperor.
It was also a deal with no reason to refuse.

 

“If you don’t like me so much that you don’t want to see me again, I recommend Lady Odette go see the emperor yourself.
I think the emperor would respect the opinion of his niece whom he cherishes enough to choose a groom himself rather than a mere naval officer, don’t you think?”

 

Even at the moment when he spat out words that trampled on her heart, Bastian was still being plausibly polite.

 

She felt her eyee burning, but Odette did not avoid the man’s gaze.
A long ray of sunlight stretched under the awning and lay like a hatch between the two people who were still looking at each other.

 

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

 

After tidying up his clothes, Bastian ended the meeting by picking up the officer’s hat that had been left at the end of the table.

 

“One moment, please!”

 

Odette, who had been watching Bastian stand up, exclaimed urgently.
She knew that there were many eyes watching, but it didn’t matter that much anymore.

 

 Odette approached Bastian with an envelope taken out of her handbag.

 

Recognizing the meaning of politely presenting it, Bastian let out a sincere laugh for the first time since the tea time began. 

 

“Don’t tell me you’re going to pay for the tea?”

 

“Yes.
I don’t want to drink tea paid by the captain.”

 

The blush that started on her cheeks had spread to the nape of her neck and earlobes before she knew it, but Odette still maintained her upright attitude.

 

A wind blew from the hotel’s garden between the two of them.

 

Bastian slowly lowered his eyes and looked at Odette.
The fresh scent of spring flowers blended with the soft scent of the woman blocking his way.
It was a languid and quiet afternoon, as if you could hear the sound of the swaying petals.

 

“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 young lady there again.”

 

“What is that…”

 

“You were lucky to be sold to me that day, but there is no guarantee that you will have such luck next time.”

 

 

Bastian rebuked Odette as if he were dealing with an immature child.
Contrary to that soft voice, the eyes hidden in the shadow of the officer’s cap gave off a cold light that gave her goosebumps.

 

His aura overwhelmed Odette for an instant.

 

She knew she had to say something, but she didn’t have the confidence to say it properly.
All Odette could do was endure Bastian’s gaze looking down at her from an overwhelming advantage.

 

She never wanted to see this man again.

 

At the moment when that earnest wish had turned into tears, he smiled slowly.

 

“I look forward to seeing you again in a place that suits you, a lady of noble lineage.”

 

Contrary to his vulgar words and actions, Bastian left an elegant greeting and turned around.
Odette, who stood with her stubbornly straight posture, raised her watery eyes and looked at his back.

 

The man never looked back until he passed through the long aisle and out of the lounge’s entrance.