Through further interaction as a guise of friendship based on gratitude, Yohana learned from Wibke that Count Yannik often struggled with sleep.
Wibke mentioned that whenever it was time to change the bed linen, it remained smooth and wrinkle-free, indicating that no one had slept on it.
Unless the countess also slept in that room, the bed would typically remain untouched. Sometimes, Count Yannik even instructed Wibke not to change the linen since it was still unused.
Yohana understood this as a common symptom that could affect anyone who was overworked. When one labored excessively without sufficient rest, the brain lost track of when to shut down, leading to sleeplessness even during the night.
She casually mentioned that a distant cousin had also experienced the same sleep troubles. However, after using Bashavil, a herb commonly found in the capital, they were able to overcome the sleeping disorder.
Wibke initially took in this information without much interest in taking action, so Yohana had to actively promote the idea.
"I'm certain that the housekeeper would be pleased if you could assist the count with his sleep. Perhaps then, you could request more days off," Yohana suggested.
Upon hearing the mention of additional days off, Wibke's eyes brightened. "That's a brilliant idea. I'll discuss it with Mrs. Stringer."
***
Mr. Reitz retrieved the expensive silk coat that he had brought to Hans for repair several days ago. After closely inspecting the garment, Mr. Reitz wore a broad smile of satisfaction and nodded. "Truly, Mr. Hans, you are the finest tailor in town."
Hearing this compliment, Francine couldn't help but giggle from her corner, as if the praise was directed at her.
Yohana, seizing the opportunity, chimed in, "Wouldn't a wool coat be more resistant to the test of time, Mr. Reitz? Such a durable garment would ensure that the count maintains a presentable appearance at all times. Perhaps you should consider it."
As a herbalist, Yohana had observed a recurring pattern of health issues among individuals in positions of authority. Many of them, especially the diligent ones, tended to overwork themselves, leading to increased stress and its accompanying symptoms.
It wasn't just sleeping troubles that plagued them; they often suffered from severe headaches and eye strain as well. In some cases, certain individuals even experienced discomfort when in contact with specific materials like wool.
Yohana had prepared a contingency plan in case her assumptions about the count's condition were incorrect.
However, Mr. Reitz quickly confirmed her suspicions. "I appreciate your thoughtful suggestion, Miss. Unfortunately, His Lordship cannot wear wool. He occasionally experiences difficulty breathing when in contact with wool. Although it doesn't happen all the time, I cannot take the risk."
Mr. Reitz took his leave, not forgetting to bow politely to everyone before exiting.
Now that Yohana had all the necessary tools at her disposal, she only needed to bring everything together.
***
Monday, the least crowded day of the week for Gilbert Tailor, also happened to be the day when Miss Natali typically accompanied Countess Augusta on their visits. This provided extra space in the store, allowing Countess Augusta to shop comfortably.
A few hours after opening, a customer walked in, dressed in a flashy gown. She fanned herself while arrogantly surveying her surroundings.
Though it was not ethical for a tailor to feel competitive with his customers, Gilbert couldn't help but be pleased with his own stylish appearance. His fashion sense, along with his elaborate hairstyle, ensured he was far from frumpy.
"Welcome, my lady. How may I be of assistance?" Gilbert greeted the blonde lady, with his assistants promptly rising to attend to her every need.
Gilbert couldn't help but be captivated by her exceptional beauty. He was certain that such a charmer couldn't be a local, as he would have undoubtedly heard of her before.
If she were indeed a local, he would rush home and implore his father to send a marriage proposal to her family.
However, he found it peculiar that this lady had entered the store unaccompanied. Where was her entourage of ladies-in-waiting or servants?
Likely sensing his thoughts, the lady replied, "I prefer to venture alone, mind you. I instructed my servants to wait in the town square. I have no desire to fill this establishment with their insignificant presence."
"Yes, my lady." Gilbert nodded in understanding, once again mesmerized by her exquisite beauty.
He envisioned her wearing his dresses, imagining how she would appear ethereal and captivating. If someone like her were to wear his designs, his store would surely gain fame in no time.
"I am unfamiliar with the skilled tailors in this town as I am not from here," she stated.
"You have indeed come to the right place, my lady. I am the best tailor in Harnisse. One look at the size of this establishment will confirm that. This shop is my pride and joy," Gilbert boasted.
Gilbert presented some of his finest dress designs to the lady, offering only the most exquisite pieces. However, she seemed dissatisfied with everything he showed her.
He grew weary of dealing with such a customer, but he maintained his composure, knowing that demanding ladies like her often spent the most money.
"Brother!" Miss Natali entered the store with excitement. When her gaze fell upon the other lady already inside, she straightened her posture and cleared her throat. "Good day, Mr. Gilbert."
"Good day, Miss Natali," he replied, relieved to have a diversion.
Though the potential customer was a sight to behold, her nit-picky attitude proved challenging to handle.
Oddly enough, with the countess' visit, the lady suddenly made a design choice. Could it be due to a sense of competition among women? Was it possible that this lady felt threatened by the countess, despite her own beauty?
Or maybe she didn't want other ladies to receive preferential treatment?
Yes, that must be it. Gilbert was convinced.
"Surely, my lady. This design would fit you like nothing else, I assure you. The low collar will accentuate your beautiful chest, and the cut and ornaments here will highlight your slim waist," he explained as he pointed out the design's best features.
"Alright. I agree with you. What about the material? I can't wear wool as it gives me difficulties with breathing," she said, folding back her fan and sitting quietly on the couch.
Gilbert recalled another person who also had trouble with wool: Count Yannik. His sister often came to him to complain about this issue, as the countess worked tirelessly to find a cure.
"I understand," he said solemnly.
"Oh, nevermind. I just remembered that I no longer have that problem. It has completely been cured because of that exotic herb," the lady retracted her previous statement.
This came as a surprise not only to Gilbert but also to Miss Natali and Countess Augusta, who couldn't help but overhear her words.
Miss Natali approached the lady and asked, "Excuse me, Madam, I couldn't help but overhear. Did you have problems with wool, and now you are cured?"
The lady unfolded her fan again, hiding the lower part of her face, which Gilbert thought was a shame. But it allowed him to focus on her words instead of her face.
"Yes, Madam. You heard that right," she replied.
"If it's alright with you, may I know more?" Miss Natali guided the countess to join the conversation. "Please let me introduce you to Countess Augusta. Her husband has a similar illness that you had. We have searched everywhere and couldn't find a cure. It seems that you have defied the odds and found one."
"Would you be so kind as to share the secret with me, Madam?" the countess added.
"Of course, Countess. However, I'm not sure if I can be of much help as it was my servant who fetched the herbs. All I know is that she bought them from someone who recently started working at a tavern near the church. I don't even know her name."
Countess Augusta's face lit up with that information. She took the new customer's hand, clasping it tightly, and said, "Thank you. That is something we can work with."
"I'm glad that it can be of help," the lady replied.