"Mother! Let me help you," the younger woman exclaimed, rushing to open the gate and alleviate the burden on the older woman. "I'm sorry you had to go to the market; it's supposed to be my responsibility."
The older woman gently squeezed the younger woman's cheeks and replied, "You're still learning, my dear. It's alright. Now, come on. It's a busy time. We have to prepare dinner for Lady Frederika."
"She mentioned Lady Frederika. It seems they are unaware of the former princess' true identity," Isaak whispered to Egon, as they eavesdropped on the conversation between the two maids.
Concerned, Isaak turned to Egon and asked, "Are you certain that the former princess will reveal herself?"
Egon nodded confidently. "I am certain she will leave the manor sometime this week. Otherwise, people would start to question her absence."
Two days later, Egon's words were proven true as they witnessed a lady dressed in a bright-colored gown exiting the gate and stepping into a carriage. "Isaak, did you manage to get a good look at her?" Egon inquired.
Isaak shook his head, indicating that they needed to continue following the lady and await her to step out of the carriage. Both men swiftly mounted their horses and trailed the carriage from a distance, concealed within the forest.
Arriving at the market, they continued on foot to seamlessly blend into the bustling crowd and conceal themselves. The carriage came to a halt in a spacious open area near the central fountain. The lady and a young maid disembarked from the carriage.
Egon, as if entranced by her allure, found himself immobilized and incapable of coherent thought. He was captivated by her beauty.
He had thought that the rumors were exaggerated or polished as they traveled from mouth to mouth. But it was actually the opposite. The rumors seemed inadequate and insufficient compared to the reality before him. They had failed to capture her true essence.
"Yes, that's her," Isaak murmured beside Egon.
Still with his mouth agape, Egon remained fixated on the former princess. Her luminous silver hair was partially tied up and adorned with fresh blossoms. He could almost smell the fragrant scent.
"Egon!" Isaak noticed that Egon was completely absorbed, paying no attention to him.
Her eyes possessed a perfect shape, adorned with well-defined lids that harmonized with her eyebrow arches. The straight and finely sculpted nose rested gracefully above her lips.
"Egon? Are you listening?"
Her fair skin radiated a gentle glow under the sunlight. Rosy cheeks and lips added a refreshing touch to her overall appearance. And those mesmerizing green eyes! If only she would cast a glance in his direction, she would ensnare him entirely.
Isaak shook Egon's shoulders, bringing him back to reality. "Egon, what's wrong?"
Swiftly regaining his composure, Egon felt embarrassed for being so bewitched by her that he momentarily lost his senses. "I apologize. Is she the one?"
"Yes, as I've already told you. Now, let's return to Harnisse. I need to inform Augusta," Isaak urged Egon, his tone rushed.
Having known Isaak for years, Egon pondered what made Countess Augusta so special that Isaak would go to such lengths for her. Egon had no knowledge of the countess' character, but he had previously cautioned Isaak not to let his emotions override his logical thinking.
While Isaak had taken the advice to heart, Egon couldn't help but wonder if Isaak was still acting rationally or if his emotions were clouding his judgment.
***
Isaak sent a message to Countess Augusta through her trusted lady-in-waiting, Miss Natali. Upon receiving the message about his return to Harnisse, Countess Augusta promptly visited his residence.
In the sitting room, with Miss Natali and Egon present, Isaak unveiled his findings regarding the former princess' whereabouts. Finally, he posed the question, "What do you plan to do with this information?"
"I intend to share it with the press," the countess asserted confidently.
Egon was taken aback by that statement and voiced his concern, "But, Countess, that could put the former princess at risk and, subsequently, jeopardize your husband's position. It may even lead to severe consequences."
Isaak could sense the tension between Countess Augusta and Egon, particularly after being interrupted in such a manner. Clearing her throat, the countess requested, "May I speak with Sir Isaak privately, please?"
As Miss Natali rose from her seat, Egon sought Isaak's approval. Annoyed, Miss Natali retorted, "Sir Egon, the countess wishes to have a private conversation with Sir Isaak. We shall vacate the room for them."
Isaak nodded in agreement, granting his approval, and Egon exited the room, following Miss Natali's lead.
Now alone together, Countess Augusta moved closer to Isaak, resting her head on his arm and intertwining her arm with his.
"Isaak, the former princess has caused me pain. Her mere presence in my house has undermined my authority. My husband may not care about it, but you do, don't you?"
Having been confided in by the countess about the silver lady for some time, Isaak understood her feelings toward the woman. He also knew that the countess believed the servants at Harnisse Castle no longer respected her, although he was certain it wasn't true.
"Augusta, revealing her whereabouts to the press could potentially result in her demise. I've heard of assassination attempts when her identity was initially exposed," Isaak cautioned.
Despite his deep affection for the countess, Isaak couldn't jeopardize the safety of the entire family.
While he wasn't privy to the specifics of Count Yannik's mission concerning the former princess, he knew it was undoubtedly perilous. Putting Count Yannik in harm's way could lead to the downfall of the entire Berger family.
"Will you disregard my anguish as well, just like my husband?" Countess Augusta released his arm, displaying her discontent.
Feeling torn, Isaak took a deep breath and resolved to understand the countess' entire plan. "Do you have any contacts within the press? What is your intended course of action?"
Her spirits lifted once more upon sensing Isaak's interest in her proposed strategy. "I am acquainted with only minor publishers, but given your esteemed status, you must have connections to major publishers. Have you not submitted information to the Royal Gazette?"
"The Royal Gazette?" Isaak was taken aback by the mention of the national publication. "Surely, you don't intend to publish it through the Royal Gazette?"
"Why not? I fail to comprehend why the former princess still holds such significance. She is no longer the Princess of Reichwein, her parents have been executed, and her brother is in exile. It is imperative for me to demonstrate that crossing paths with me will come with severe consequences."
Countess Augusta crossed her arms, displaying her discontent.
"Why should I allow her to undermine me without consequences? She looked down on me, treating me as just another commoner. But I am not. I am a Countess, and I will make her realize that."
Isaak sensed a mixture of envy and unchecked anger in her words. "I understand that you feel threatened, but the former princess is no longer present. Why do you continue to be bothered by her?"
His response and questioning seemed to agitate her further. She abruptly stood up and demanded harshly, "Will you assist me in this or not?"
Isaak sighed, feeling trapped by the countess' insistence. "Very well, if that is your wish. I will convey the information to my contact at the Royal Gazette."
Countess Augusta's eyes lit up with determination. "No, Isaak, that won't suffice. I want you to introduce me to them so that I can have an interview."
Isaak's brows furrowed, firmly denying her request for direct involvement. "I'm sorry, Countess, but I cannot allow that."
There were valid reasons why Count Yannik had kept his wife away from the press. Interviews of this magnitude, especially with a national publisher like the Royal Gazette, required the ability to navigate through trap questions diplomatically and maintain a neutral stance on sensitive matters.
Countess Augusta, who grew up as a commoner, would not possess such skills. Even normal noblewomen would find it challenging to handle the press. It was something only the royal family was well accustomed to.
Feeling upset and rejected, Countess Augusta exclaimed, "If you refuse to assist me, then be clear about it. I will find other means to achieve my goals. It seems your love for me is shallow indeed."
Isaak realized that changing her mind would be challenging. However, he was determined to provide her with a different perspective. "Consider the potential ramifications, Augusta. It may not only impact her but also put your own position and reputation at risk."
Countess Augusta fell silent, reflecting on his words, but it was evident that convincing her would require more than a single conversation.
After her departure, Isaak updated Egon, who was baffled by the countess' audacity. "The Royal Gazette has been affiliated with the royal family for centuries. One could even say that the publisher is owned by the monarch. She will undoubtedly fall into their traps."