The resonance of the final note was met with an outpouring of applause.

Odette was startled by the sound and immediately turned her head in the other direction from where she had just come. Bastian was clapping his hands while resting against the entryway of the room.

“Bastian?” As quickly as she could, Odette jumped to her feet in front of the piano. Bastian put an end to his applauding and proceeded to make his way slowly across the solarium.

“It was a wonderful performance, and I meant every word, madam.” Bastian, who was standing with his hands clasped behind his back, bent his head respectfully. In contrast to that elegant move, the look in his eyes revealed a perverted sense of playfulness.

“… Thank you.”

Odette, who was aware that he was being teased, began by greeting him in the proper manner. Her friendly, wifely smile with which she greeted her husband was also present. “There had to have been a misunderstanding of the news. I’ve heard that you won’t be able to avoid arriving late at your house.”

“The work was finished much more quickly than was anticipated.” Bastian said. The response he provided was delivered in a monotone. Soon after, his gaze returned to Odette after passing over the piano.

“ah… …I see. Okay, that settles it.”

Odette did what was only natural and turned around, concealing the music sheet that was laid out on the music stand.

It was a book of exercises designed to help one improve their performing technique.

While Odette was being spanked by her mother, she was able to memorize the book completely; nevertheless, because she hadn’t played in such a long time, her hands became stiff.

Now, she was struggling to keep up with the material at the intermediate level, especially in the last exercise that Bastian praised, where she made a lot of mistakes. Regardless of how poor Bastian’s musical taste was, he was not someone who could sincerely appreciate such a performance. He was a gentleman and anyone could agree on that, who was always courteous, even when he was being the most inconsiderate.

“Please forgive my rudeness in not greeting you earlier, as I wasn’t aware of your presence. In the future, please do let me know beforehand,” said Odette  apologetically to Bastian, who smiled kindly and graciously accepted his apology.

Bastian gazed down at Odette’s face, and a slight smirk formed at the corners of his lips, “Let you know?” His response indicated his reluctance to comply. However, Odette’s smile remained cool and impassive, like an unyielding wall.

Bastian had come to the realization that Odette had not truly opened up to him, but had simply altered the way in which she expressed her caution and reluctance towards him. Despite dedicating herself to his wife’s work, Odette remained a polite yet distant stranger to him. Bastian accepted this fact without any hesitation and drew a more definitive conclusion from it.

With a sense of wonder, Bastian realized that Odette was a woman who could show affection without truly having a heart. This revelation left him with the understanding that there was no logical reason for him to try to win her over emotionally.

Despite this realization, Bastian still felt a strong attraction towards her, which he acknowledged with a sense of longing. As he faced this desire that remained after the initial confusion had dissipated, Bastian hoped that Odette would remain the same as she had been yesterday, in his present reality.

Bastian longed for Odette to remain by his side just like she had been yesterday, when their relationship had been filled with sweet lies and everything had felt perfect. He wished for their present to be just like that.

As he slowly tilted his head to meet her gaze, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of embarrassment. However, Odette didn’t look away, her stunning turquoise eyes fixed on him, yet seemingly devoid of any emotional attachment. And yet, despite this, Bastian found her gaze to be beautiful enough, even without her heart.

“Let’s go, Odette.” Bastian straightened his neck and commanded Odette to get ready.,However, when he caught sight of the dress she was wearing, decorated with rich lace and frills, he narrowed his eyes and expressed his concern, “I think that outfit would be a bit difficult.”

“Tell me what is going on…” Odette asked.

But Bastian didn’t waste any time in explaining and demanded without hesitation, “Change into comfortable clothes. Riding clothes would be enough.”

Bastian felt a rush of excitement as he realized that he had complete control over the marriage, regardless of Odette’s feelings or thoughts. He reveled in the power that came with that knowledge, and suddenly the relationship felt weightless and streamlined. The thought that he held all the cards made him feel alive and invigorated. Everything was just as it should be.

In a strange way, Bastian found solace in the fact that Odette was indifferent. If he couldn’t win her over, he couldn’t lose her either. To him, she was just a figure on a contract. It was a life that Bastian had grown accustomed to, one where everything was quantified and calculated.

The more straightforward the other person’s requests, the smoother the relationship flowed. If it was within his means to fulfill those requests and there was something to be gained in return, then he simply had to fulfill them. By viewing each day through this clear and simple calculation, eventually he would be confronted with the outcome that time brings.

“I’m sure you don’t plan to bring that dog along,” Bastian said, his gaze half-turned. But then his attention was drawn to Odette’s feet as the dog approached and looked up at him with bold eyes, just like its owner.

“Her name is Margrethe.” Odette introduced the dog she had picked up as if she were a lady debuting in society.

Bastian couldn’t help but chuckle when he heard the dog’s grandiose name. Although the dog’s appearance had improved from when it was first found, the uneven haircut gave it a scruffy look. And to top it off, the lace ribbon around its neck made the dog appear even more ridiculous.

“You may refer to her as Meg.” Odette, who had a soft spot in her heart for the puppy, proposed an alternate.

“Odette, please put the dog away.” That was the only response that Bastian was able to provide.

As he turned around, the dog began to bark from behind him.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

In an instant, a shooting range was set up at the border of the garden and the beach, with a bale of hay serving as the target.

As Odette gazed at it in amazement, servants moved the target to the spot designated by Bastian, and then brought out an assortment of firearms – pistols, shotguns, and rifles – in various shapes and sizes, filling up the large outdoor table with a burst of color.

“Master, do you also need the guns that are in the warehouse?” When it appeared that there were no more spaces available, Lovis shocked everyone by asking an unexpected question.

“I believe that is all there will be time for. I appreciate all of your hard work. “After turning down the offer of assistance from the servants, Bastian walked up to the table and examined the weapons that were being displayed there. Even his casual attire of tennis shorts and a tennis jumper were not enough to lighten his normally stern demeanor.

“Have you ever tried shooting before?” Bastian set down the rifle he had been inspecting and calmly asked. His eyes still flickering over the gleaming gun barrels.

“No, I don’t think I’ll ever have the chance to use a gun in the future.”  Odette responded with a tactful refusal.

Picking up two small rifles, Bastian stood up and let out a sorrowful smile,  “What? I think you’re mistaken.”

“Why I have to shoot?”

“It’s perfect weather for shooting. We may not have another opportunity like this anytime soon.” He then gestured for Odette to come closer, holding a gun in both hands and tilting his chin.

Odette had to repeat a calming mantra to herself several times before she could rein in the hot emotions that had risen up to the tip of her throat. Bastian was always opinionated, but today he had gone too far. Odette couldn’t even begin to guess what his intentions were, and so she resolved to keep her guard up and avoid any unnecessary clashes. “Let’s just steer clear of each other,” she muttered to herself.

Odette reluctantly complied with Bastian’s request, even though she found it to be unreasonable. However, she knew that she needed to complete this transaction if she wanted to receive the new life that Bastian had promised her. As she approached him, Bastian measured her height against the length of the barrel and selected a rifle with a walnut stock adorned with intricate gold work.

“It is possible that it is out of date, but it will be ideal for practice. Listen.” Bastian, having deftly loaded his bullets, turned back and faced his adversary. He handed the revolver that he was holding out to Odette. “Is it heavy?”

“A little bit heavy.”

“Better.” After receiving a nod, Bastian moved to stand next to Odette while holding the handgun.

Bastian went over the anatomy of the weapon, naming each component and walking through the steps of firing it. He did not exhibit any hint of frustration even when Odette, who did not comprehend completely, asked the same question multiple times. The voice of Bastian, who patiently instructed her over and over again, was as tranquil as the sea, which did not have any waves today.

Bastian beckoned to Odette to pay attention,, “Observe carefully. While a gun may not guarantee protection in all situations, it’s still a more dependable choice than a pocket knife.” He then picked up a gun and positioned himself in front of the target.

Odette’s lackluster gaze suddenly widened, “Could it be that…this is all because of that?” The memory of the rainy night when they buried the deceased mother dog and Bastian’s amusement at the sight of a dropped bag and pocket knife began to make sense, fitting together like a puzzle.

“Did you remember?” Odette asked back in disbelief. Bastian gave the target another look while he arched his eyebrow ever-so-slightly but remained silent.

Why?

The stillness that had been present in Odette’s eyes gave way to a trembling appearance.

It wasn’t until around the time that she started moving around towns on the outskirts in search of a cheap leased property that she came into possession of the knife.

The communities on the outskirts had weak security. Odette was still a child, but she had some understanding of the meaning behind the nasty jokes and the look in the eyes of the bad lads. In the worst case scenario, what type of danger would she face in the future?

The day that Odette found a pocket knife that had been stashed away at the back of a drawer was the same day that she had the epiphany that her hapless father, who drank every day, would never be able to safeguard her or her sister, Tira. It was more like an amulet harboring a ferocious will than it was a weapon that could be used in the real world.

At the precise moment when she was beginning to get a little frustrated about the fact that the only person who recognized it was that man, Bastian levelled his rifle. The well-balanced posture, the way the pistol is held, and even the way the look is directed are all important aspects. It was just how he had described it.

The moment she realized that that man was a capable soldier, a gunshot rang out. Odette let out a small scream involuntarily and took a step back from him. Bang! Bastian’s bullet went right through the center of the target.

Bastian approached with a light smile, holding out his gun, “Take it. Now it’s your turn.”

“You shoot very well.” Odette, feeling a bit embarrassed, awkwardly complimented him.

Bastian smiled again and proceeded to correct Odette’s posture as she accepted the rifle, “Spread your feet a little more. Keep your back up and make sure your shoulders are down.”

“Like this?” Odette attempted to adjust her posture.

“No, not like that, Odette.” However, Bastian wasn’t satisfied and let out a soft sigh as he observed Odette’s awkward stance, which resembled that of a broken soldier’s doll.

“Scared?”

“Not at all.”  Odette confidently replied, but her stiff body and trembling fingertips betrayed her true emotions, making it apparent that she wasn’t very effective at lying.

Realizing that giving more advice was pointless, Bastian walked towards her from behind. As he pressed his chest against her back, their arms and legs were aligned in one straight line. Together, they formed two overlapping shadows of different sizes, holding a gun in unison.

“Look ahead.” Bastian gave a quiet order to Odette, who kept looking back. He then instructed her to raise her head. As he lifted her chin, his hand wrapped around Odette’s cold hand, which was holding the gun barrel.

“Inhale slowly, and now exhale.”  Bastian slowed his breathing and suggested a suitable pace. Eventually, he synchronized his breathing, and Odette’s tension had eased considerably by the time he did so.

Bastian pointed the gun and aimed it at the target, “Are you ready?”

“Perhaps.” Her voice no longer trembled as she replied.”…. By the way, Bastian.” Once the preparations were complete, Odette urgently called out his name., “Is there anything else I need to know?”

Bastian noticed Odette’s hand was slightly out of shape and corrected it. He then gazed at the target in the sunlight with narrowed eyes, “Well, don’t close your eyes.”

Their fingers, which held the trigger together, were filled with strength.

“Perfect!  Exactly!”

BANG!

As they followed the final advice, gunshots echoed in the air, marking the first gunfire of Odette’s life.