"Greetings, Princess Runa. I am Count Yannik von Berger."
Another surprising twist unfolded before Yohana. Count Yannik happened to be her target prior to being tasked with killing Ramona.
It was suspicious that Ramona had not made any effort to save Count Yannik when she had the chance. Had Ramona's involvement with Count Yannik come to an end, prompting her to let him perish?
Nevertheless, there was an undeniable connection between the former princess and Count Yannik.
"There is something I would like to discuss with you. I'm afraid, your parents were falsely accused of treason," he continued.
As Yohana's mind swirled with thoughts and calculations, Count Yannik misinterpreted her silence. He cleared his throat and began to speak.
"I understand if you cannot forgive me, princess, for I was the one who led your parents to their dishonorable demise. However, I am here to atone for my sins. It seems that I have misjudged the evidence regarding the treason accusation against the royal family."
At that moment, Yohana made a firm decision to protect Count Yannik's life in this new existence. It was highly likely that he possessed a crucial piece of information that could unveil the identity of Yohana's killer.
With Yohana's undivided attention now on Count Yannik, he revealed, "There were clear indications of forgery in the supposed agreement between Reichwein Kingdom and Kievskaya. Furthermore, I have recently uncovered irregularities in other pieces of evidence that were submitted."
"If your allegation is correct, what would be the outcome?" Yohana asked.
"Your Highness, you would obviously reclaim your rightful place on the throne," Madam Geneviere interjected, her green eyes shining with the idea.
Throughout his reign, King Alois never concealed his preference for his daughter, Princess Runa, who frequently accompanied him at events. Not only that, but King Alois also went as far as officially appointing Princess Runa as the heir apparent.
"What about the prince?" Yohana inquired.
Despite King Alois' previous decision during his reign, its significance may be diminished since he was impeached before his death. Consequently, the loyalists now have the authority to appoint a new leader as they deem appropriate.
Count Yannik lowered his gaze, appearing lost in contemplation. After careful consideration, he spoke cautiously,
"I'm afraid Prince Ansgar lacks familiarity with the court. It would be imprudent to burden someone inexperienced with such weighty responsibilities."
In essence, he perceived the prince's seclusion as a manifestation of inadequacy. Yohana couldn't fault him for his judgment, as it was justified.
The princess, on the other hand, enjoyed greater recognition among both the populace and foreigners, thereby lending more weight to her words compared to those of the prince.
"Are you affiliated with the Rothschild organization?"
"I am not, Princess. However, I can assure you that I stand for justice. You have my word that I will not cease my efforts until the truth is uncovered and matters are rectified."
Count Yannik spoke with resolute determination, leaving Yohana to comprehend why he was admired by both nobles and commoners. He was a man of unwavering resolve, true to his word.
Setting that aside, Yohana needed to find a way to warn Count Yannik about the assassination attempt and prevent it from occurring.
"I have no doubt that you are a man of your word, Count Yannik. However, I couldn't help but notice that you appear fatigued, judging by your complexion," Yohana mentioned, subtly steering the conversation toward his sleep troubles.
Count Yannik touched his face, feeling a twinge of embarrassment at the observation. He let out a long, weary sigh and confessed, "It has been a while since sleep has eluded me, Princess. Most nights, no matter how tired I am, I find myself awake."
"That is concerning. I can see that you are hardworking, but it is crucial to get adequate rest. A herbalist employed by the royal palace once shared with me the benefits of a herb called Gimamin, known for its efficacy in treating sleep issues. Are you familiar with it?" Yohana began.
She continued, "As you may be aware, my father faced numerous responsibilities when he was the king of Reichwein. The weight of his duties often kept him awake at night. However, when the herbalist prescribed him Gimamin tea, he gradually found relief and was able to sleep well."
"I can assist in locating the herb if you desire, Count Yannik," Madam Geneviere offered.
"Thank you for the kind offer, Madam, but I wouldn't want to trouble you with my personal matters. I will instruct my servant to procure the mentioned herb," the count replied.
The issue with delegating the task of obtaining the herb to someone else was the inherent risk of them acquiring the wrong herb. If this lifeline followed the previous one, Count Yannik could potentially access Bashavil, an herb known for its superior effectiveness in alleviating sleep troubles.
"I hope you don't consider me intrusive but allow me to emphasize the significance of obtaining the precise herb," Yohana said, aiming to underscore the importance of finding the correct remedy.
"In my previous encounters, I came across an intriguing tale, one that involves certain substances that, when consumed together, may yield unintended consequences. It is said that even seemingly harmless remedies, when combined, could result in adverse effects on one's well-being."
Both Count Yannik and Madam Geneviere listened attentively to Yohana's words. Yohana continued,
"While I am not well-versed in herbal remedies, it would be wise to exercise caution when exploring different potions or combinations, particularly those that involve Bashavil or Angel Weed."
Count Yannik leaned forward, his expression serious. "Princess, your concern is duly noted. I shall keep your words in mind and exercise caution when it comes to herbal remedies."
Relief washed over Yohana as she recognized that he had acknowledged her subtle warning. She continued their conversation, skillfully shifting the topic to more neutral matters, ensuring their exchange flowed smoothly, concealing her true intentions.
As the visit drew to a close, Yohana bid Count Yannik farewell. She had done what she could to subtly convey the danger he faced without revealing the specifics.
Unable to personally investigate or prevent his impending demise, Yohana could only hope and pray that he would take her warning to heart.
***
Count Yannik returned to Harnisse, eager to reunite with the one solace in his day, Countess Augusta.
The memory of her innocent smile from years ago remained vivid in his mind, as it was that very smile that had captured his heart and brought him joy during trying times. With her fair skin and blonde hair, she resembled a radiant sunbeam - that was how he saw her.
Upon his arrival at Harnisse Castle, the count wasted no time inquiring about the whereabouts of the countess.
His valet, Mr. Reitz, received him as he disembarked from the carriage. "My Lord, she has been away shopping with her ladies-in-waiting since morning. It appears that Her Ladyship is making preparations for an upcoming ball at the royal palace," he informed the count.
The news cast a shadow over Count Yannik's expression. The source of his joy had changed in recent weeks. Countess Augusta had been displaying distant behavior, often finding reasons to be away from the castle.
It all started when his attention became consumed by the treason accusation against the royal family. She appeared hesitant to let him go whenever he was about to delve into the investigation.
Upon returning home, the countess would already be asleep in her own chamber. Count Yannik couldn't recall the last time they had spent the night together, and each realization of this fact pained his heart deeply.
Throughout the years of their marriage, Countess Augusta had never uttered a complaint about Count Yannik's work, as he had made it clear from the outset about the weight of his responsibilities.
It struck him as peculiar that she had only recently started expressing dissatisfaction about his work. Unfortunately, there had been no opportunity for them to have a conversation about it.
Count Yannik, consumed by his thoughts, promptly made his way to his office, completely forgetting about obtaining the Gimamin tea that was intended to aid his sleep.
Night had descended by the time his wife returned home.
Count Yannik made a deliberate effort to meet the countess, setting aside his work momentarily to greet her upon her arrival. By the time he reached the courtyard, the countess had already disembarked from the carriage, wrapping a shawl around herself to ward off the cold of the night.
"I see that you have returned," Count Yannik said, his happiness was evident.
Countess Augusta politely bowed. "Good evening, My Lord. Did I disturb your rest?"
Count Yannik extended his hand, which the countess hesitantly accepted. As they walked hand in hand into the castle, he assured her, "Not at all, my dear. You could never interrupt me, for you are my utmost priority."
She smiled, but he detected a hint of bitterness beneath it. Despite sensing the underlying emotions, the count opted to remain silent.
"How was your day, My Lord? I assume you must be tired," she asked.
"Seeing your lovely face has energized me," he replied.
"I see," Countess Augusta kept her gaze lowered, and then she said, "I'm afraid I must retire to my chamber immediately, My Lord, as today has been rather exhausting for me."
"Oh," Count Yannik felt the weight of betrayal in her words, yet he found himself at a loss for how to intervene. "Very well. Allow me to accompany you to your chamber."
"There's no need, My Lord. My ladies-in-waiting will escort me," the countess stated, releasing his hand.
After the silhouette of his departing wife faded from the corridor, it took Count Yannik great effort to gather himself and proceed to his office.
Immersing himself in work, he sought to distract his mind from the sorrowful turn of events in his marriage—a cruel irony, considering their once-celebrated love story that had now become sour.
A knock on the door startled him. Mr. Reitz entered the office, holding two cups in his hands. Placing one cup on the desk, he spoke, "This is Bashavil, known for treating sleep problems."
Setting down the other cup, he added, "And this is Angel Weed, renowned for its ability to alleviate respiratory ailments caused by contact with wool."
Count Yannik couldn't believe his eyes. He pondered how his trusted valet could contemplate murdering him. Suppressing his suspicions, he asked calmly, "Why are you giving me these drinks?"
"My Lord, Her Ladyship was concerned about your well-being and requested that I deliver them to you," Mr. Reitz responded.
In that moment, Count Yannik felt his world shatter. How could his own wife plot to take his life?