The life and death of Nicolae Roman

Chapter 17: Advice from Viktor

Nicolae returned to his apartment in a cheerful mood. His meeting with Elizabeth left him feeling like he was walking on clouds. And he now had her address in his coat pocket. Elizabeth graciously accompanied him almost all the way to his flat. She cared enough to worry he might suddenly get too tired to make it on his own, and offered him her arm to lean on. They took their time strolling through the park, exchanging not only pleasantries but also more intimate details about their personal lives.

When they finally found themselves across the street from Nicolae's residence, he asked if he could call upon her in the near future. Elizabeth blushed.

"I would like that very much," she murmured. "In fact, why don't you come over for tea tomorrow afternoon? You could meet Uncle George. I'm sure he would be very pleased to meet you."

"That sounds like a wonderful plan," Nicolae smiled.

"So... five o'clock tomorrow?" Elizabeth looked up and into his grey eyes.

"I will be there."

For a few moments, they looked at each other. Nicolae would have liked to steal a kiss, but it was broad daylight and there were quite a few pedestrians around them. Instead, he brushed his lips against Elizabeth's hand, lingering over it.

"Adieu... until tomorrow," he murmured before taking his leave of her.

When he entered his building, he noticed that the door to Viktor's flat was ajar. He gently knocked on it. Ana peered at him from the apartment. Nicolae spotted a feather duster in her hand as she exited and stood by him.

"Count Roman... I was just trying to brush these cobwebs off the doorframe," she said pointing above her head.

"Is your master home?" Nicolae inquired.

"Yes... he just returned," Ana answered. "Would you like to come in?"

"If he isn't too busy... yes, I would," Nicolae replied.

As if on cue, Viktor walked out of his bedroom. He smiled upon seeing his upstairs neighbor.

"Nicolae, please come in. I'm glad to see you up and around. You must be feeling better," Viktor greeted him.

"Thank you, Viktor. I do indeed feel much better," Nicolae said as he entered the apartment.

"Good. Come... sit."

Nicolae took a seat on a small divan in Viktor's parlor. His host sat in an armchair across from him.

"Can I offer you anything? Perhaps a cup of tea?" Viktor asked.

"No, thank you. I'm fine." Nicolae paused. "I just returned from a brief visit to the university."

Viktor arched an eyebrow. "Did you see Herr Eberwald?"

"Not exactly. I went to his laboratory, but he was not there. However, I did see his friend, Albert."

"And did he have any news about Ludwig?" Viktor's curiosity was piqued.

"As a matter of fact, he did." Nicolae cleared his throat. "According to Albert, Ludwig is making tremendous progress. It seems that the bullet lodged in his sternum and did not cause any serious damage to his vital organs."

"That must be a relief to you," Viktor smirked.

"Yes... it certainly is." Nicolae debated whether or not to tell Viktor about his other findings in Ludwig's lab.

"Is there something else on your mind?" Count Bartholy was very perceptive.

"It's probably nothing," Nicolae scoffed. "You'll think I'm crazy," he said.