Applause flooded the reverberation of the last note.
Odette was taken aback and turned her head in the direction of the sound.
Bastian was leaning against the doorway and clapping his hands.
"Bastian?"
Odette hurriedly rose to her feet from the piano. Bastian stopped clapping and then slowly crossed the solarium.
"It was a great and heartfelt performance, madam."
Standing with his hands behind his back, Bastian politely bowed his head. Contrary to that graceful gesture, the staring eyes showed twisted playfulness.
"… thank you."
Realizing she was being teased, Odette first offered an appropriate greeting.
The wifely smile welcoming her husband was also not missing.
"The news must have been misrepresented. I heard that you will definitely be coming home late."
"The work was completed sooner than expected."
Bastian answered in a monotonous voice. His glance at the piano soon reached Odette again.
"ah… yes. Okay."
Odette naturally turned around and hid the sheet music spread on the music stand.
It was an exercise book for improving performance technique.
Although she had mastered the book perfectly while being whipped by her mother, her hands had hardened because she had not played for a long time.
Now, the intermediate level was too much for her, but especially in the last exercise that Bastian applauded, a lot of mistakes occurred. No matter how low his musical knowledge was, he couldn't have truly admired such a performance. If you look closely, he was a man who was most polite when he said the meanest thing.
"I didn't know you were here, so I committed the rudeness of greeting you late. Next time I hope you give me a sign in advance."
Odette smiled kindly and asked for understanding.
"Sure."
Bastian looked down at her face, and the corners of his lips curled slightly.
Odette's smile was a cold wall.
Bastian seemed to know with certainty now that she hadn't opened up, but just changed the way she showed her wariness and reluctance. Odette had been a loyal and courteous stranger even in moments of devotion to the hostess's work.
Bastian accepted this fact without further doubt. Rather, a clearer conclusion was drawn.
She was a woman who could be affectionate without a heart. In other words, it also meant that he had no reason to have that woman's heart.
I want you.
Bastian faced the desire that remained after the haze-like confusion had cleared.
I want you to be mine today as you were yesterday.
So Odette just had to stay by his side like yesterday. Just like yesterday, when sweet lies were perfect. Just like that today.
Bastian slowly tilted his head to match Odette's gaze level. Although embarrassed, Odette did not avert her eyes. The blue-green eyes that filled him were beautiful even though they were heartless. That was all right.
"Let's go, Odette. Get ready." Bastian, who straightened his neck, commanded. "I think that outfit would be a bit difficult."
Bastian's eyes narrowed as he scanned the dress decorated with rich lace and frills.
"Tell me what on earth is going on…"
"Change into comfortable clothes. Riding clothes would be good."
Bastian demanded without hesitation.
No matter what Odette's heart was or what Odette was thinking, it couldn't be a factor in this marriage. In the end, he was the one who made the decision.
Recalling the fact that everything was under his jurisdiction, the relationship became much lighter and neater.
It was enough as it was now.
It was fortunate in some ways that she was a woman who didn't give a damn. If she didn't gain, she had nothing to lose. So was the fact that he told this woman that she was nothing more than a number written on the contract.
Bastian was used to a life organized in numbers.
The clearer his partner's demands were, the easier the relationship became. If it was something he could give, if he could get something in return for giving it, then he should give it. As the days followed that simple and clear arithmetic, one day he would face the answer that time gives.
"Yes. All right."
Despite having a disapproving expression, Odette obediently agreed. She didn't forget to add an ambiguous smile that slightly raised the corner of her mouth. Bastian knew it was defiance in the guise of submission, but he did not care.
"I hope you don't intend to bring that dog either."
Bastian's gaze, half-turned, suddenly turned to Odette's feet. Suddenly, the dog approached and was looking up at him with as bold eyes as its owner.
"It's Margrete."
Odette introduced the dog she had picked up as if she were a lady making her social debut.
Bastian laughed like the first time he heard that grandiose name. It looked better than when it was like a dirty rag, but the hair cut off as if a rat had eaten it was also ugly. A lace ribbon around the neck made the dog look even more ridiculous.
"You can call it Meg."
Holding the dog with great care, Odette offered an alternative.
"Put the dog away, Odette."
That was the only answer Bastian could give.
The dog barked behind him as he turned around.
***
Bale of hay with targets attached to it was placed at the border of the garden and the beach.
Odette stared at the shooting range created in an instant, seized with a sense of daze.
The servants who had moved the target to the location indicated by Bastian then brought the firearm. Pistols, shotguns and rifles. A variety of guns of all sizes and shapes filled the spacious outdoor table.
"Do you also need the guns in the warehouse?"
Just when it seemed there were no more empty spaces, the butler asked a startling question.
"I think this will be enough. Thank you for your effort."
Having dismissed the servants, Bastian approached the table and inspected the guns on display. Even in the comfortable attire of tennis sweater could not dampen his unique sharp aura.
"Have you ever shot a gun?"
Bastian put down the rifle he had been holding as if weighing it, and asked a question calmly. His gaze was still moving over the flashing gun barrels.
"No. I don't think I'll ever touch a gun in the future."
Odette conveyed her refusal in the most euphemistic way possible. Picking up two small rifles, Bastian turned around with laugh.
"What? I think you are wrong."
"Why do I have to shoot a gun?"
"It's a nice day for shooting. I think it would be hard to find time like this if it wasn't today."
Bastian looked up at the high blue sky and replied dazedly.
"Come here, Odette."
Bastian, with guns in both hands, gave a light chin gesture.
Let's not fight.
It was only after repeating the spell several times that Odette was able to subdue the hot emotions that had built up in her throat. Although Bastian was an opinionated man by nature, he had gone too far today. She couldn't even guess what his intentions were.
She thought it was an unreasonable request, but Odette obediently approached Bastian. She must successfully complete this transaction. Considering the new life that would be given in return, she could endure this much.
After comparing Odette's height with the length of the barrel, Bastian chose the slightly longer rifle. It was a gun with a walnut stock with delicate and elegant goldwork.
"It's an older model, but it's as good as any for practice. Listen."
Skillfully loading the bullets, Bastian turned around. Odette inadvertently took the gun he offered.
"Is it heavy?"
"A little heavy."
"That's about right."
Nodding his head, Bastian again stood by Odette holding the gun he had given her.
Bastian first explained the structure of the gun, the names of each part, and how to operate it. Even when Odette, who did not understand properly, asked the same question, he did not show any sign of frustration. Bastian's voice, calmly teaching her over and over again, was as calm as today's waveless sea.
"Take a good look. A gun may not always be able to protect you, but it will be more reliable than that pocket knife."
Seeing Odette still making a puzzled expression, Bastian took the gun and stood in front of the target.
"Don't tell me ... that's the reason?"
Odette's eyes, which had been watching without enthusiasm, widened.
The rainy night when she buried the dead mother dog and dropped the bag. Bastian laughed at the pocket knife he saw while picking up spilled items.
It was only when the pieces of memory came together that this mysterious situation was understood.
"Did you remember?"
Odette asked back in disbelief. Bastian raised one eyebrow slightly and faced the target again without answering.
Why on earth?
Odette's eyes, which had been calm all along, began to shake.
It wasn't until around the time that she had started to move around the unsafe suburbs to find a cheap rented house that she owned the knife.
Although she was still young, Odette had a vague idea of what the bad guys' looks and dirty jokes meant. What dangers she might be exposed to in the worst case scenario.
On the day Odette realized that her helpless father, who was drunk every day, would never be able to protect her and Tira, Odette found a pocket knife that had been left deep in a drawer. Rather than a practical weapon, it was more like an amulet containing desperate will.
Bastian aimed his gun at the moment when she was a little upset that the only person who could see through her was that man. The balanced posture, the way of holding the gun, and even the position of his gaze.
Everything was exactly as he had described.
The moment she realized that that man was a capable soldier, a gunshot rang out. Bang.
Odette involuntarily let out a small scream and took a step back from him.
A hit.
Bastian's bullet went right through the center of the target.
"Take it. Now it's your turn."
Bastian approached Odette with a light smile, holding out the gun.
"You're a good shooter."
Belatedly embarrassed, Odette offered an awkward compliment and accepted the rifle. Bastian smiled lightly and corrected Odette's posture.
"Spread your feet a little wider. Straighten your back. Shoulders down."
"Like this?"
"No, not like that, Odette…"
A soft sigh escaped from Bastian's lips as he looked at Odette, who was creaking like a broken soldier doll.
"Are you afraid?"
"Not at all."
Odette gave a bold answer without the slightest thought. Her stiff body and trembling fingers made it a less effective lie…
Deciding that further advice was meaningless, Bastian moved behind Odette.
Her back to his chest, their arms and legs were also placed on one line. It was the shape of two shadows, large and small, overlapping into one, holding a gun.
"Look ahead."
Bastian commanded quietly to Odette, who kept turning her head to look back at him.
"Raise your head."
His hand, which had raised Odette's chin, wrapped around Odette's cold hand that held the gun barrel again.
"Inhale slowly, now exhale."
Bastian slowed his breath, suggesting an appropriate pace. By the time their breath finally became one, Odette's tension had eased considerably.
"Are you ready?"
Bastian aimed the gun at the target.
"Maybe."
Odette whispered in a voice that no longer trembled.
"By the way, Bastian."
When the preparations were complete, Odette called his name urgently.
"Yes."
Bastian responded calmly and corrected Odette's misaligned hand shape.
"Is there anything else I need to know?"
"Well."
Bastian gazed at the target in the sunlight with narrowed eyes.
"Don't close your eyes."
Together, their trigger fingers tightened.
"That's it."
A shot rang out with the final advice.
It was the first shot in Odette's life.