It was evident that Isaak had feelings for Countess Augusta, and even his brother must have been aware of it.
Since their youth, girls would flock to Count Yannik, the more attractive of the two brothers. Isaak had resigned himself to the fact that any woman he loved would ultimately be drawn to his brother.
However, Countess Augusta had sought solace in him, sharing her concerns and secrets. A small part of Isaak's heart questioned her true intentions for seeking him out instead of others.
Perhaps it was because he was her husband's brother, someone who could potentially influence Yannik in her favor. But that didn't seem to be the sole reason.
Tonight's events had made Isaak realize his own culpability. He had succumbed to temptation, willingly engaging in seduction. While he knew it was morally wrong, he found himself unable to resist.
Countess Augusta's skin was fair and tender, and with each touch, his desire for her grew stronger. The way she looked at him while he caressed her body drove him to madness.
That morning, Countess Augusta awoke in Isaak's bed. Her sleeping visage was so enchanting that Isaak found himself gazing at her until she stirred awake.
"Sir Isaak?" She was startled, taken aback.
"Good morning, Countess. Did you sleep well?"
She hastily covered her upper body with the blanket and nodded, her cheeks flushing. Isaak yearned to witness this sight every morning.
His mind raced to comprehend Countess Augusta's advances toward him. What did this encounter signify? Could it mean she wanted to leave his brother and run away with him?
"What should we do about this?" Countess Augusta retreated under the blanket, concealing herself.
What? Did she regret what had transpired the previous night? Isaak longed to embrace her, but he withdrew his hands. "Countess, perhaps we should discuss this with Count Yannik."
"No!" Countess Augusta exclaimed, springing up from the bed.
He carefully weighed his words before speaking, "Countess, my love for you has endured for an eternity. Only the moon has witnessed the intensity of my desire for you. It has pained me that I could only bask in your beauty on a few occasions. I vow to love you eternally if you choose me. I will never love another woman. I will never yearn for another body but yours. I will never abandon you."
The countess beamed at his heartfelt declaration of love. She leaned in and caressed Isaak's cheek. "Oh, Sir Isaak, do you truly love me to such an extent?"
"Yes, Countess. With all my being," he replied, enthralled like a slave under a witch's enchantment.
That answer satisfied the countess' thirst for affection and acknowledgment. She planted a kiss on Isaak's lips, leaving him wanting for more but she pulled away.
"Sir Isaak, I appreciate your feelings. I must admit that no one will love me more than you, not even my husband. However, I am still someone's lawful wife. As long as I am bound to him, I cannot do whatever I please."
The countess' response left Isaak hanging in the air, unsure of what to do next. She didn't outright reject his feelings, but she also didn't fully embrace them. This left him confused and uncertain about the path to take.
Sensing his confusion, Countess Augusta took his hand and tenderly kissed the back of it. "Sir, I truly hope that I can hold onto your words. You are the only person I can trust, the one with whom I feel comfortable sharing my concerns. You wouldn't leave me alone, would you?"
Isaak shook his head, gathering his courage to seek confirmation. "Certainly not, Countess. Such thoughts should never cross your mind. In fact, I have been contemplating the idea of leaving together, just the two of us. I would willingly give up everything if it meant being with you."
However, just the mere suggestion caused a noticeable change in Countess Augusta's expression. Isaak could detect a hint of repulsion on her face, though she quickly concealed it.
"Sir Isaak, I have been away for too long. I am afraid that my husband will be worried about me. I must return home now."
Filled with deep sadness and lingering confusion, Isaak exited the room and instructed his maid to assist the countess with her attire. He then retreated to his office, seeking solace in solitude.
***
How could someone possess such fair skin? It was evident that the stranger lady belonged to the noble class, never having to lift a finger in her entire life.
In contrast, Countess Augusta had endured days of arduous labor just to put food on her table. She took pride in her ability to maintain her beauty despite her challenging upbringing.
However, she couldn't help but wonder how much easier life would have been if she had been born a noblewoman.
And those silver locks, glistening and commanding attention effortlessly. The lady didn't have to make any effort to be the center of attention wherever she went.
Countess Augusta couldn't help but feel that her own blonde hair would pale in comparison to the stranger lady's exquisite locks. She knew that she wouldn't be the one turning heads if she were in the same room as the captivating stranger.
"Did you see the silver lady today? That lady is truly captivating," Countess Augusta overheard one maid say to another in the castle.
The stranger had acquired the nickname 'the silver lady' due to her distinctive hair. It seemed that every day, Countess Augusta would overhear someone complimenting the lady at least once.
Unable to bear it any longer, Countess Augusta approached her husband without announcing herself, finding him in the midst of work. The silver lady was also present.
Frustrated, she clenched her dress tightly, causing her palms to ache. "My Lord, I would like to speak with you," she said through gritted teeth. "Alone."
Upon hearing this, the lady bowed and excused herself. Count Yannik initially intended to move the conversation to a private room, but she insisted on retiring to her chamber, giving space for the count and Countess.
Approaching the countess, Count Yannik inspected her face for signs of sickness or discomfort. "What is it, my dear?" he asked.
In a trembling voice, Countess Augusta implored, "Please answer me truthfully, my Lord. Do you choose her over me?"
Count Yannik, growing frustrated with the situation, replied, "Are you still fixated on that? Love, I have told you she is not my mistress."
Exasperated, Countess Augusta shouted, "Then who is she?" Her breathing became uneven, and her whole body trembled.
Count Yannik massaged his temple, deep in contemplation. He opened his mouth to speak but closed it again.
"Do not withhold the details from me," the countess cried. "Speak to me if you truly love me."
"Love…"
Tears streamed down Countess Augusta's face as she sobbed. "Do you not consider my position? Do you realize how many times I have overheard the maids and servants talking? They believe that she is the true lady of this castle. I am well aware that I am a commoner attempting to portray a noblewoman, and no matter how hard I try, I can never match her grace."
Her voice choked with emotion, she dropped to the floor, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably. "If she remains here, I may lose my authority. Do you want me to become an invisible figure in our own home? What will people say? You know how quickly rumors spread in high society. How will I endure this turmoil?"
She continued to rant, hoping to capture her husband's attention. However, Count Yannik had fallen silent for some time now. Curious, she looked up to check if he was still listening. What she saw startled her.
Count Yannik's face had darkened as if a realization had just struck him.
"Is that why you attempted to poison me, my dear?" Count Yannik's words hung in the air, leaving Countess Augusta stunned.
"What...?" She stammered.
Count Yannik sank into his chair, a disbelieving chuckle escaping his lips. "I have observed you for quite some time, and deep down, I had a nagging suspicion about your true nature, but I never wanted to accept it. It appears that reality has forced itself upon me now."
"What are you talking about, My Lord?"
Confusion and fear gripped Countess Augusta as she kept her head low, stealing glances at her husband. Her mind raced, desperately trying to figure out how he had uncovered her secret.
She had received information about Bashavil and Angel Weed from the same man who had planted the seeds of doubt regarding Count Yannik's alleged infidelity.
This person had convinced her that it would be better for Count Yannik to die rather than divorce, as a divorce would result in her losing everything - her title, her wealth, her standing in society.
However, in the event of his death, she would become a grieving widow, maintaining her luxurious lifestyle and preserving her honor and respect in high society.
"Augusta, have you been targeting me for my wealth and status?" Count Yannik's voice held a mix of disappointment and disbelief.