Chapter 51: Into the Nest of Vipers Part III
A week came and went before the day finally arrived for Bruno, Heidi and the kids to attend the family fathering at the von Zehntner estate. They were all dressed quite formally. With Bruno himself wearing his military uniform and all the awards he had been granted thus far in his career. Which wasn't much at the moment.
After driving together in the family automobile, the estate's servants opened the gates to reveal that there were several other automobiles parked in the driveway. This was, after all not just a gathering of Bruno and his siblings, but also his siblings' families, and that of his uncles, aunts, and cousins as well.
There were well over a hundred people gathered in the estate grounds, specifically in the back where tents had been gathered, and food was being properly catered to the guests. Those among Bruno's brothers and cousins who were actively serving in the military, of course wore their uniforms.
While those like Bruno's father who were retired, but had been awarded rather exceptional orders and medals during their time of service wore them across their formal tuxedos. It was a gathering, in many ways of some of the most elite members of society in the city of Berlin. After all, the von Zehntner family had risen to prominence as a result of Bruno Sr. and his role in the Bundestag. Powerful and wealthy noble families had begun engaging their children to the younger generation of the family. And because of this, many of them were in attendance as well.
It was perhaps not at all surprising when Bruno entered the scene, and was quickly greeted by the father of his cousin's daughter's fiancee, who himself was the sixth son of the third in line for some Grand Duchy or another.
"Well, if it isn't the Wolf of Prussia, General Leutnant Bruno von Zehntner himself. The youngest general in the history of the Reich. Congratulations on your recent promotion and your victory at Mukden, I must say, I am quite the fan of yours. Would you mind if I had a moment of your time to discuss -"
Bruno cut the man off. He had no time to deal with sycophants and pampered nobles who wanted to leach off of the fame he had recently gained.
"Apologies, I'm quite busy at the moment I have just arrived and must pay my respects to the host. If I am available at another time, then I would love to listen to whatever it is you have to say."
After saying this, Bruno paid the man no attention, instead walking past him, while guiding his wife and children to pay their respects to his parents. The man who had tried to introduce himself to Bruno had a sour expression as he drank from the crystal glass, which contained wine. Murmuring something two faced or another about Bruno behind the man's back as he walked away.
It was not long before Bruno met with his father who was surrounded by his wife, and eight other children. Several of which Bruno had neither seen nor heard from since their last gathering as a family during the previous year.