Chapter 42: Franz’s Visit and a Twelve-Year-Old’s Resolve
WITH the letter of recommendation from Bertine’s father in hand, Franz Adler visited her at her home. He was accompanied by his wife as well. As the former manager of the Rose Hotel, he carried himself impeccably in a manner befitting his previous position. The man’s smile was calm and soothing. I want him to manage everything about my hotel, was Bertine’s immediate thought the instant she saw him.
“Thank you so very much for agreeing to see me, Franz,” Bertine said. “I never imagined you would arrive so soon.”
Both Franz and his wife, Elise, shook their heads and waved off her gratitude.
“Think nothing of it. My wife and I were raising our grandchild after our beloved daughter passed away, but her husband recently remarried. Thinking about the future, we decided it would be better for our grandbaby to live with our son-in-law and his new wife instead of spending life with an old married couple. We convinced our grandchild it was the right decision, but I must admit we were sorely at loose ends rambling around in our house just the two of us. So you can imagine the marquess’s letter was a godsend to revive our spirits.”
Bertine realized the two of them chose to come to this country as a means to ameliorate their sadness over parting with their grandchild. She wished with all her heart that the joys they discovered here would go a long way to healing them.
“I realize the actual construction of your hotel is still quite a while away, but we’re fully committed to making a new life here in the Federation,” Franz continued. “We brought everything we could with us so that we can dedicate ourselves to helping you get the hotel up and running.”
Bertine found herself panicking a bit when she saw their veritable mountain of trunks. “I’ll find you a residence right away then.”
“No, no. We will arrange our own lodgings since our arrival was entirely unannounced. That aside, do you have a location in mind for your hotel?”
Bertine had already received Chief Bruno’s approval on that front. “Yes, I have. The lush Bilva district in the hinterlands.”
“And have you received the local residents’ permission?”
“The chief there approved my proposal after discussing it with his constituents, so I anticipate no issues,” she explained. “He said he will designate an area for the hotel where an old village was located.”
“I would very much like to see the planned site,” Franz requested.
“Understood. I’ll make the arrangements as soon as possible.”
“Forgive my husband’s impatience. It’s been so long since he last worked in a hotel that he can’t contain his excitement,” Elise apologized to Bertine with a rueful smile.
Bertine suggested they rest up for a few days and recover from their long journey from the Empire. Before they went their separate ways, she led them to the government building because she wanted to introduce them to Ignacio at least. When they met him, he said he could carve out half an hour from Cecilio’s schedule as well, then showed them to a waiting room. Not long after, Cecilio himself entered and greeted them.
“My name is Cecilio Bonifaccio and I’m the leader of the Southern Federation. Though our country is steeped in ancient traditions, it is nevertheless undergoing a rebirth as we speak. I expect great things from your new hotel as it attracts and teaches imperials about the Federation’s many charms.”
“And I have been fortunate enough to savor one of those charms which Bertine discovered,” Franz replied. “Stingers, I believe they’re called, yes? I’ve only tasted them once, but what a novel sensation. Alas, quite expensive. I hope I’ll be able to enjoy them at a more reasonable price now that I’m living here.”
Easily done, Bertine thought.
“You certainly will,” she replied to him with a relaxed smile. “We have ample supplies of the stuff, so no need to restrain yourself.”
“Oh, Franz, our lives have become so much more exciting at the drop of a hat, hm?”
“Indeed. I’m glad we made the right decision in coming here, Elise.”
Bertine beamed, charmed by the affable couple who clearly doted on each other. Though her heart also ached a bit at the sight they made. As someone who had given up on marriage, she found her thoughts turning maudlin. I’ll never see a future where I can have such an intimate relationship with a husband. No children to raise either or grandchildren to spoil. She didn’t feel much whenever she chanced upon couples passionately in love, so she wondered why this loving duo made her chest sting with pain.