The sun had just risen, and the sky had brightened up when Wibke rushed to the tavern to find Yohana.
She was overjoyed as Mrs. Stringer had agreed to the idea of incorporating the mysterious herb called Bashavil into the count's daily routine.
"However, before that, we need to test it ourselves. We can't risk endangering His Lordship," she instructed the maids.
A loyal knight volunteered to be the test subject, as he too often suffered from sleeping problems. Another servant from Harnisse Castle also offered to participate. In total, five people would test the herbs for a week.
Yohana handed the herbs to Wibke and explained, "Bashavil can be consumed with tea or warm water. It has a slightly bitter taste, so you can add a teaspoon of honey, but no sugar as it may diminish the benefits. The optimal dosage is three times a day, but if the count is busy, he can take it during dinner."
As Yohana explained, Wibke paid close attention and nodded. She handed some coins to Yohana and returned to the castle with a bag of Bashavil.
The knight volunteer, who had the most severe sleeping problems, immediately noticed a difference after two days of consuming Bashavil. He pointed out that not only was he able to sleep during the night, but he also woke up feeling refreshed.
By the third day of the testing week, more volunteers gave positive testimonies about the herbs, raising hopes among the maids and servants, especially Wibke.
Before the week had ended, all five test subjects declared that they were finally free of sleeping problems.
With these satisfying results, Mrs. Stringer saw no reason for any further delay in giving the herbs to the count.
***
"Yohana, someone is looking for you," Miksa announced while Yohana was in the storage room, organizing stocks and cleaning the space.
Yohana, who had anticipated a guest in the coming days, wiped her hands on her dirty apron and headed out. Her hair was tied into a messy bun with a pencil, a technique she had learned from Miksa.
"Yes, how may I help you?" she asked.
In the still-closed tavern, two men entered, both bearing the appearance of knights from Harnisse Castle. "Are you the newly hired employee of this tavern?" one of the knights inquired.
"Yes, that is correct. How may I assist you, kind sirs?" Yohana approached them.
The knight with a long, straight nose introduced themselves, "We are knights from Harnisse Castle, and we have heard that you possess the cure for our count's ailment."
To avoid raising suspicion, Yohana feigned ignorance. "I'm afraid I have no knowledge of the count's specific condition, sir. Could you please provide further details?"
The other knight, with a stout jaw, added, "Indeed, wool causes him respiratory distress."
"Oh, you must be referring to Angel Weed, then. Yes, I do have it, sir. However, I must inform you that I only have a limited amount left as I brought it from the capital, and most of it has already been used."
"That's alright. We would like to purchase what you have."
Yohana handed them a handful of Angel Weed and observed as the knights departed from the tavern.
***
"I have heard rumors that Harnisse Castle is currently engulfed in turmoil," Francine disclosed, her voice carrying a hint of excitement.
Hans, his gaze fixed on the intricately designed fabric adorning the mannequin, interjected with a touch of disapproval, "Do you not find yourself too immersed in trivial gossip? Shouldn't you direct your energy toward more productive pursuits?"
Francine pouted, her hands gripping the broom, but she only began sweeping the floor when instructed. "I am working, Mr. Hans."
Yohana, only now realizing the extensive network of information Francine had, inquired, "What happened?"
It was perhaps inevitable that news would spread easily, considering Francine's similar social standing with the maids and servants in the castle.
With heightened interest in her juicy gossip, Francine abandoned her sweeping duties and settled onto the couch. "You see, Miss..." she began, having familiarized herself with calling Yohana 'Miss' instead of 'Madam.'
"Poor Count Yannik has long been plagued by sleeping problems. But now, a maid has brought a special herb rumored to have the power to cure it."
"Isn't that good news? Shouldn't the castle be in an uproar, celebrating?" Hans interjected with his sarcastic tone.
"No, Mr. Hans, I haven't finished yet," Francine continued. "In addition to the sleeping problems, it seems the count also suffers from issues with wool."
Hans paused, contemplating for a moment before responding, "Now that I think about it, Mr. Reitz did mention something about it when he was here, didn't he?"
Francine vigorously nodded in agreement and added, "Yes, exactly! Around the same time, the countess discovered a herb that could alleviate the wool problem. However, here's the catch: the two herbs don't work well together."
Yohana's thoughts raced as she realized that her cover might be compromised. Working undercover had its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it reduced personal risks, but on the other hand, unforeseen circumstances could jeopardize her mission.
With this new information, Yohana would need to execute her backup plan. If things took a turn for the worse, she would have to take matters into her own hands and infiltrate the castle herself to administer the poison directly.
"When the countess brought home the herb, the family doctor happened to be present. He examined the herbs and determined that they should not be taken together, as it could have fatal consequences," Francine explained.
Yohana couldn't help but notice Hans' peculiar expression. Did he see her when she visited Gilbert Tailor in the excessive getups, wearing that ridiculous wig and makeup?
Concerned that he might have discovered her secrets, she asked, "What is it, Mr. Hans? Do you know something?"
Hesitant, Hans replied, "It's nothing," swallowing whatever thoughts he had in his mind.
But Francine appeared to have a glimpse into Hans' thoughts. "I understand what you're thinking, Mr. Hans. You may not be aware of this since you're new in town, Miss, but Berger County has been a subject of talk for some time."
"Is that so?" Yohana was still concerned about being exposed, but she allowed Francine to continue.
"The marriage between Count Yannik and the countess was a testament to the power of love in Harnisse, but it faced strong opposition from the count's own family."
She went on to reveal that the countess was often seen as a gold-digger, and even Count Yannik's brother, Isaak, believed he was more deserving of the title due to his assertiveness and better judgment of character. Although, according to some hearsay, Isaak opposed the marriage because he wanted the countess for himself.
"Indeed, the marriage has been quite scandalous," Hans noted. "But..."
"What's even more intriguing is the rumor circulating about an adulterous relationship between Countess Augusta and Mr. Isaak," Francine whispered.
Yohana was shocked by the revelation. She wondered how this information could be used to her advantage.
"Hush now! Don't go around spreading unverified rumors!" Hans scolded Francine, who became sour-faced and returned to her sweeping duties in silence.
***
Yohana had prepared to investigate the security around Harnisse Castle since the poisoning scheme wouldn't work now that they knew Bashavil and Angel Weed shouldn't be consumed together.
However, something unexpected occurred, causing her to reconsider executing her backup plan.
At dawn, as the tavern was preparing to close, two hooded women entered and demanded to meet with Yohana.
"I wish to speak with the recently hired employee of this tavern," said one woman, whose voice Yohana recognized.
Despite their concealed appearances, Yohana recognized the woman under the hood. It was unusual to see two women of high social standing in a tavern, especially without any guards accompanying them.
This raised Yohana's suspicions even further, as they seemed to be going to great lengths to remain incognito. Something was definitely amiss.
"It is I, Madam," Yohana responded.
She looked around the tavern, which was vacant by now. Drunken men had already left, leaving only a few stragglers outside. But inside, it was safe.
The woman removed her hood, revealing cascading light brown hair framing her chiseled face.
"Do you still possess some Angel Weed?" the woman inquired.
It was Miss Natali. Which made the other woman to be none other than Countess Augusta. Yohana observed a subtle change in the countess' innocent eyes, a dimming of their usual sparkle.
The fact that they had come to request the herb, despite being aware of the potential fatality when combined with Bashavil, left Yohana astonished.
She thought about their hidden agendas and secret plans. However, her curiosity and the potential benefits outweighed her reservations. If whatever the countess was scheming could aid her own cause, she was willing to go along.
"I still have some, but I must tell you that there is only a small amount left. Your knights had already acquired a significant portion," Yohana explained.
"That's fine. I'll take all that you have," Miss Natali declared, tossing a bag of coins onto the table. The clinking sound of coins colliding inside the bag indicated its abundance.
Yohana quickly returned to her room to retrieve the remaining herb and handed it over to Miss Natali.
With a swift motion, Miss Natali pulled her hood back up, concealing her identity once again, and took the lead toward the tavern's exit.
Countess Augusta, on the other hand, locked eyes with Yohana for a brief moment before turning around and following her lady-in-waiting out of the tavern.