Yohana felt an urge to cut the conversation short, especially as the princess seemed almost indifferent to the trouble she had caused. However, a sudden furrow of the princess's brows and a tear escaping her eye shifted the tone.
"Please forgive me, Runa. I didn't mean to put you in a tough position. I will rectify the rumors and explain to everyone that it's just a misunderstanding," Princess Eleanor said.
Yohana wasn't entirely sure about the princess's intentions, but she gave the princess a chance. "Alright. Please do so before the charity ball. The rumors could seriously mar the event. I don't want it to hamper the royal family's reputation due to a lack of participation caused by these rumors."
"Yes, of course." Princess Eleanor wiped her tear away and seemed to regain her composure. Her smile returned, and she seemed resolute. "Let me make amends, alright? You should present them with a small token of appreciation. Here!"
In a swift motion, Princess Eleanor pressed a bouquet of vibrant marigolds into Yohana's hand. The blossoms' vivid hues were visually pleasing, and before Yohana could decline, the bouquet was firmly handed over.
"I'm sure they'll appreciate it," the princess said before she continued on her way.
The gesture itself left Yohana with doubts. The memory of that chilling shiver down her spine when she ventured into the dungeon to rescue Princess Elisa was still vivid. Could someone who had confined her own sister in that dreadful place truly offer help to others?
With a thoughtful expression, Yohana handed the bouquet of flowers to Thea, who walked at her side.
"These are lovely," Thea exclaimed, taking the bouquet and wafting it through the air, savoring its fragrant scent.
"They're for you," Yohana stated.
"For me? But Princess Eleanor mentioned these would make a fitting gift for the people you're meeting, My Lady. You should give them the flowers," Thea insisted.
Unaware of Princess Eleanor's actions within the palace, Thea remained oblivious to the first princess' deeds. Yohana recalled Princess Elisa's earnest warning about avoiding the door in the cellar. What secrets could Princess Eleanor be hiding behind that door?
"No, I'd rather not. Keep them for yourself," Yohana replied firmly.
Although not comprehending the reason behind Yohana's decision, Thea placed her trust in her lady's judgment and accepted it without further inquiry.
***
Upon arriving at the couple's sprawling manor, Yohana was met with an array of unexpected obstacles. The initial gatekeeper, a stern-faced guard, refused her entry without the formal invitation from the Kranz couple. Unfortunately, Yohana hadn't been instructed to bring it along, leaving her struggling to present the necessary document.
After a heated exchange, Yohana was eventually granted passage. Thea, still simmering from the rude welcome, shifted impatiently, clearly displeased with the staff's behavior.
"Be sure to recount this ordeal to the lord and lady of the house, My Lady," she grumbled.
Yohana harbored doubts that such a complaint would make much impact. If anything, she suspected that the obstacles had been intentionally placed in her path by the couple themselves.
Inside the gate, the absence of welcoming servants left them adrift, seeking the elusive location of the meeting.
Thea, undaunted by the lack of guidance, boldly peeked into rooms and engaged strangers with her characteristic fearlessness, showing no intention of stopping anytime soon.
"Good day, Lady Runa," a maid with striking white streaks in her hair greeted them with a respectful bow.
"At last. Is this place haunted? Where is everyone?" Thea quipped, her annoyance palpable. The maid, however, chose to disregard her comment.
"I have an appointment with Sir Bastian and Mrs. Edith," Yohana informed her.
"Yes, I'm aware. Please, this way." The maid led them down a corridor to a designated room. Thea shot the maid another irritated glance before following Yohana into the room.
The room stood empty.
Yohana waited for what felt like hours. As the sky transformed into hues of warm orange and delicate pink, the couple finally made their entrance.
"Please excuse our delay. We've been rather occupied," Mrs. Edith remarked casually, neglecting even a simple bow of acknowledgment toward Yohana.
Observing their untroubled countenances, Yohana was confident that they hadn't been preoccupied in the least. Quite the opposite, it seemed they had purposely allowed her to wait while indulging in leisurely pursuits within their garden or salon.
"I assure you, Mrs. Edith, patience is a virtue I hold dear," Yohana responded, her tone measured. She was determined not to let their games rattle her. This was just the beginning, and Yohana couldn't afford to waver now.
The Kranz couple made no attempt to offer tea or even a simple refreshment—a clear move to undermine Yohana's resolve. Sensing Thea's readiness to speak out, Yohana intervened, instructing her to remain near the door.
Without wasting time, Yohana delved into her proposal, much as she had done with Sir Flori. "While this business arrangement might not yield immediate benefits, it will prove to be a strategic long-term marketing tactic. Traditionally, vendor names aren't showcased in the hall. However, for this occasion, I'm willing to make an exception, providing deserving vendors with a prominent platform to shine," she explained.
Yet, Mrs. Edith and Sir Bastian exhibited minimal interest in Yohana's pitch. "We find no need for that, though. Our reputation precedes us, does it not? We're widely recognized—why should we seek additional exposure? Such tactics come across as rather pedestrian," Mrs. Edith retorted sharply.
"In the world of business, Mrs. Edith, fortunes can change swiftly. One might bask in today's glory, only to find it eclipsed by a lesser-known yet exceptional vendor tomorrow. Are you absolutely certain you want to overlook that opportunity?" Yohana's words were deliberate, her gaze unwavering.
She knew the answer she sought, but she needed to drive her point home. One day, when her words turned into actions, she hoped this couple would rue their choice, their regrets echoing in the most pathetic of ways.
Their discourteous demeanor persisted, evident in their stifled yawns, restless finger-tapping, and vacant stares into nothingness—an overt display of boredom.
Thea clenched her jaw, resisting the urge to advance and administer a verbal lashing to the couple. But just as her patience waned, an unexpected interruption diverted her attention. The door swung open abruptly, colliding with Thea and sending the bouquet of marigolds cascading onto the floor.
Yohana promptly rose to assist Thea in gathering the fallen flowers when Sir Bastian's exclamation broke the air, "Goodness gracious! Lady Runa, am I seeing the truth or has my sight been fooled? Are those marigolds?"
Mrs. Edith, clearly catching on to her husband's intent, joined in the feigned dramatics. "Heavens, Lady Runa! Such a perception I had not of you. How dare you..."