SCANDAL UNVEILED: COUNTESS AUGUSTA'S WICKED PLOT EXPOSED!
Written by Karsten Grass
In a shocking turn of events, Harnisse is embroiled in a scandal of epic proportions as we expose the devious machinations of Countess Augusta, a woman consumed by jealousy and hatred.
The target of her malevolence? None other than the radiant and captivating Princess Runa, whose enchanting silver hair and unparalleled beauty have made her the epitome of elegance in the Reichwein Kingdom.
But alas, her scheme to eliminate the princess fell short, and Princess Runa narrowly escaped the clutches of the countess' venomous intentions.
Now, Princess Runa seeks refuge in the humble village of Brasven, where she masquerades as the daughter of a Margrave. The Berger Family's modest estate has become her sanctuary, shielding her from the vengeful wrath of Countess Augusta.
The countess' envy has sparked outrage, tarnishing her reputation and leaving the kingdom aghast. As the truth emerges, justice is demanded.
Will Princess Runa's beauty triumph over the countess' darkness? Stay tuned for more revelations as Harnisse grapples with this scandal.
***
The article created an uproar throughout Reichwein, particularly in Harnisse. Isaak couldn't believe what he was seeing. He had explicitly told Countess Augusta to keep her identity concealed, yet this had happened.
Egon barged into Isaak's office, newspaper in hand. "Isaak, is this true? Did your beloved woman attempt to harm the former princess?"
Isaak, unable to bear the weight of shame, kept his head lowered. Egon had strongly advised him against granting Countess Augusta's request to meet with the Royal Gazette, assuring him that she would handle herself well.
Perhaps he had overestimated her, or maybe his own emotions had clouded his judgment. Perhaps he simply wanted to be dependable, providing what his brother couldn't.
"She must have been deceived by the reporter's manipulation of words. It's not the first time something like this has happened," Isaak tried to justify her actions, though deep down, he had his doubts.
"Karsten doesn't lie. You know that," Egon argued.
Karsten had been a long-time friend of Isaak, assisting the Berger family with various matters. He was the one who helped dispel malicious rumors about Count Yannik when he first assumed his title.
The reporter was a man of integrity. While he may not have completely rejected underhanded methods, he had always remained faithful to his written words. That's how he had built a reputation for himself, becoming a trusted reporter in just two years.
"You should seriously reconsider the nature of your relationship with her. Keeping her by your side will only bring you trouble," Egon warned.
Even before Egon uttered those words, the moment Isaak laid eyes on the article, doubts about Countess Augusta's intentions had already started creeping into his mind. He had believed that she had genuinely given him her heart, even if only for a fleeting moment.
However, now he couldn't help but entertain the possibility that she had merely used him for her own gain. If it turned out to be true that Countess Augusta had attempted to harm the former princess, it would drastically alter his perception of her.
Her captivating beauty had been the initial attraction. However, as he got to know her better, he discovered the genuine kindness in her heart. Countess Augusta was not swayed by material possessions and ostentatious displays of wealth; instead, she treated everyone with respect, regardless of their social standing.
The notion of her being a malicious woman driven by petty jealousy, capable of attempting to take someone's life, was unfathomable to him. It contradicted the image he had formed of her, based on her benevolence and compassion.
Yet, as he retraced his memories, he began to notice subtle indications that the countess might not be the person she appeared to be. For instance, her unwavering determination to crush the former princess, even after Count Yannik had already dismissed her.
Egon chimed in, remarking, "Someone who did not grow up in the lap of nobility may be more susceptible to being intoxicated by its allure and glamour."
***
Harnisse Castle experienced its second most tumultuous day, the first being the occasion of Countess Augusta's failed assassination attempt on the former princess.
Count Yannik, enraged by the news article, angrily threw the newspaper to the ground and pounded his fist on the desk. "What is the meaning of this?!" he exclaimed in frustration.
Observing the situation, Mr. Reitz retrieved the discarded newspaper and carefully folded it, holding onto it in case Count Yannik desired to review its contents once more.
Seeking answers, Count Yannik turned to Mr. Reitz and demanded, "Do you know about this?"
Regretfully, Mr. Reitz responded, "I'm afraid I lack any knowledge on this matter, My Lord. However, I will promptly commence an investigation into the actions of the servants," he assured, setting the newspaper aside and swiftly exiting Count Yannik's office.
While his valet conducted inquiries among the servants, Count Yannik made the decision to confront his wife directly, eager to hear her side of the story. Concealing the newspaper within his coat, he made his way to Countess Augusta's chamber and knocked on the door.
Miss Natali greeted him and ushered him inside. Noting her composed demeanor, Count Yannik inferred that the countess remained unaware of the news article that had stirred such turmoil within Harnisse Castle.
"I wish to speak with my wife alone," he stated firmly.
The countess' ladies-in-waiting were taken aback by his serious tone, but they obediently exited the chamber, allowing the couple to have a private conversation.
"What is it, My Lord?" the countess approached him.
Approaching the countess, he wasted no time getting to the point. "When did you meet with Karsten?" he inquired sharply.
Countess Augusta's eyes widened. The directness of his question caught her off guard.
"It was two days ago," she responded confidently, though her husband's demeanor was starting to unsettle her.
In a moment of anger, he tightly grasped her wrist, his teeth clenched. "What were you thinking?" he demanded, his voice filled with frustration.
Her own disappointment began to surface at his reaction. While she anticipated some reprimand for revealing the former princess' whereabouts, she hadn't anticipated the extent of his anger.
She attempted to free her hand from his grip, her expression reflecting her annoyance. "Is this truly a matter that justifies such rage? My Lord, if you are so consumed by her, I shall leave this castle. I will not tolerate any further disrespect toward my position as your wife."
Count Yannik released his grip on her arm and retrieved the newspaper from his inner pocket. He forcefully threw it onto the floor, the headline written in large fonts demanding immediate attention.
Countess Augusta gasped upon seeing the title. She crouched down to pick up the newspaper and read the entire article. The weight of reality descended upon her, and tears welled up in her eyes. She looked up at her husband, desperate for him to resolve the situation.
Rubbing his throbbing temples, Count Yannik let out a sigh. "Karsten is a staunch supporter of the former monarchy. He holds great admiration for the former princess and has often defended her against baseless rumors. Why did you take such actions without consulting me?" he asked, exasperation evident in his voice.
Sobbing, Countess Augusta attempted to justify herself, saying, "I only wanted to show her who she was up against."
Count Yannik, struggling to comprehend her reasoning, responded sharply, "Was it not enough to try to kill her before? And now, even after I have sent her away, you still desire her death. Have you always been this heartless?"
Countess Augusta's voice trembled as she tried to explain, "My Lord, she looked down on me. I couldn't let that stand."
He gazed at his wife, finding it hard to believe that even in this moment, she felt no remorse. "Why did you have to do that, Augusta? Why is it so important for you to prove yourself to her? She is the former princess, with no interest in possessing what you have, as she once had more."
"But she's… I was…" She clenched her teeth, shifting her gaze to her curled fingers on the wooden floor. "I didn't know the reporter would twist my words like this. He seemed like a nice man. I thought... I thought he understood me."
Count Yannik's tone grew firm as he responded, "There is no way he would endanger Princess Runa, and you made yourself an easy target by attacking her."
Tears streamed down the countess' face, and Count Yannik couldn't help but wonder what was causing her such sorrow. Giving her the benefit of the doubt, he decided to test her once more.
"Will it only satisfy you once she's dead? Can't you find it in your heart to let go of the past? She never looked down on you in any way," he said, his tone resigned.
The countess appeared displeased with his statement, perhaps feeling that Count Yannik was once again dismissing her feelings.
Undeterred, he continued to enlighten her, "On the contrary, the first thing she asked me when I decided to bring her here was if it was alright with you. She showed consideration for you by confining herself to her chamber."
However, Countess Augusta remained frozen in place, refusing to acknowledge her wrongdoing, even until the end.