Yohana's quest led her to various vendors from Queen Emma's list, each encounter confirming her expectation – they were all aligned with the queen's stance and showed little interest in aiding Yohana's cause.
One such visit was to Miss Elena. The initial reception was warm and inviting, resembling how she would greet any guest.
However, as their conversation unfolded, it became increasingly evident that even Miss Elena was subject to the queen's influence. The curtain dropped when she revealed her price, mirroring the other vendors' lack of enthusiasm.
Yohana had diligently attempted to sway Miss Elena, presenting her innovative marketing strategy, but the outcome echoed those of her previous interactions. Miss Elena, like the rest, reiterated that she saw no necessity for Yohana's proposal. Despite the polite discourse, Yohana couldn't shake off the prevailing sentiment that she was confronting a unified wall of resistance.
As Yohana's journey led her to the final name on Queen Emma's list, Miss Rita, a sense of both hope and uncertainty accompanied her steps.
With her parents' close ties to the former monarch, Queen Charlotte, Miss Rita's family had established deep business relationships that had once been pivotal for various events. But with the shift in power following the change in monarchy, Yohana had lost a valuable advantage she might have had with Runa's influence.
Moreover, the fact that Miss Rita herself had no direct connection to Runa meant that convincing her to support the charity ball might prove to be an uphill battle.
Upon entering Miss Rita's manor, Yohana was met with an array of servants and maids. Their polite gestures and acceptance of her presence signified that her arrival had been anticipated. A maid informed Yohana that Miss Rita awaited her in the garden, where they would engage in their discussion over afternoon tea.
Miss Rita gracefully rose to her feet, offering a respectful bow that Yohana reciprocated with a nod of appreciation.
"I hope you don't mind conversing over tea and refreshments," Miss Rita suggested.
What immediately struck Yohana about Miss Rita was her genuine, infectious smile. Her teeth were slightly larger than average, but rather than being overpowering, they harmonized beautifully with her full lips, adding to her unique charm.
Her curly hair, elegantly tied with a pale blue ribbon reminiscent of the clear sky, added a touch of charm. The sunlight embraced her, accentuating the warm undertones of her skin, and adding to the overall radiance of her appearance.
Yohana smiled in response to Miss Rita's radiant aura. "This is indeed the perfect time for tea," she agreed, and as they settled into their seats, Yohana took a delicate sip, relishing the fragrant notes of the brew.
Just as Yohana was poised to embark on her proposal, Miss Rita confidently interjected, "I shall provide my service to you."
Miss Rita's demeanor radiated sincerity, seemingly void of any malicious intent. Yet, Yohana's mind was cautious, unable to completely dismiss the possibility of an ulterior motive.
There was an unspoken question hanging in the air—why would Miss Rita make such a choice, potentially going against the queen's wishes?
Curiosity getting the better of her, Yohana finally voiced her question. "May I know why?" she inquired, her tone polite but laced with intrigue.
A faint, knowing smile tugged at the corners of Miss Rita's lips, as though she had anticipated this inquiry. Her response, when it came, carried a weight of insight. "Queen Emma gathered several vendors a few days ago. Do you know what the purpose of that meeting was?"
Yohana's assessment wasn't far off the mark. "To obstruct my path?" she replied, opting for honesty.
Miss Rita's gaze held a mixture of emotions—regret, frustration, and determination.
"Yes," she confirmed, her voice tinged with a hint of resentment. "She insinuated her wish for us to raise our prices so you won't be able to afford our services. At that time, I felt uncomfortable. The meeting was stifling, and I was coerced into agreement."
A paradoxical reality was taking shape, and Yohana couldn't help but point it out. "But here you are, telling me that you'll help," she noted, the contradiction stark.
Miss Rita's eyes bore the truth of her journey through this moral labyrinth.
"Initially, I was inclined to follow the queen's orders. You see, I am naught but a young and inexperienced individual, plagued by fears," Miss Rita explained, her voice carrying a mix of resolution and vulnerability.
She continued, "However, when my parents learned of this manipulation, they urged me not to bow in fear of authority. Instead, they implored me to uphold what I believed was right. And thus, I've arrived at the decision to assist you."
"Are you not concerned about the potential consequences of aiding me? Surely you're aware of the scandal that's ensnared my name recently," Yohana inquired.
Her gaze drifted toward the garden, where flowers and bushes seemed to engage in an intricate dance. It was there that a tender smile graced her lips, as though the tranquility of the scene momentarily eased the weight on her shoulders.
In response, Miss Rita's gaze remained steady, her expression resolute.
"I understand that you are not the person described in those malicious rumors," she began, her words carrying a tone of conviction. "I was present at the party that evening. I recall observing you exit the powder room with another lady, just as the lady in the blue gown approached the duke."
A spark of hope ignited within her. "You saw me?" Yohana questioned, her tone a careful blend of inquiry and anticipation.
Miss Rita's response was affirmative yet measured. "At first, I wasn't entirely certain. However, in light of your distinctive silver hair, I now recall that the lady in the blue gown possessed blond hair," she explained, the puzzle pieces clicking into place.
The gears of Yohana's mind turned swiftly, spurred on by Miss Rita's revelation. It was as if a missing piece of the puzzle had been unearthed, triggering a cascade of recollections. Lady Felicia. She had been right there with Yohana during the incident in question.
If both Lady Felicia and Miss Rita were willing to testify, their combined accounts could potentially become the beacon of truth that Yohana's case so desperately needed.
Her excitement, though tightly controlled, was palpable. The realization that these two witnesses could potentially counter the intricate web of deceit spun by The Tattler's Tales and their formidable lawyer was invigorating. Even the most skilled legal arguments would falter in the face of direct and unimpeachable eyewitness accounts.
Yohana's gaze met Miss Rita's, a mixture of gratitude and determination shining in her eyes. "Miss Rita, if you don't mind, I have a request to make," Yohana ventured, her tone earnest.
In a hushed exchange, Yohana conveyed the pressing nature of Henrie's charge against The Tattler's Tales and the dire need for substantial evidence to secure their victory. As she recounted the story, Miss Rita's gaze remained attentive.
Yohana's words were guided by a desire to extend their newfound partnership. Miss Rita, following her heart as advised by her parents, decided to extend her hand further to help Yohana with this matter too.
As they returned to the ball preparation, Yohana declared, "Through this charity event, I intend to demonstrate that underdogs can emerge victorious against even the most influential adversaries. I aspire to upend the status quo and empower lesser-known vendors."
An intrigued smile curved on Miss Rita's lips. "And how, may I ask, do you plan to achieve that?" Her inquiry was wrapped in genuine interest, a refreshing departure from the sea of rejection Yohana had recently navigated.