The Tide Is Turning

Count Yannik couldn't help but acknowledge the extraordinary strategic prowess of the current crown prince. Prince Henrie stood out as the most strategic individual he had ever encountered.

Only recently did Count Yannik discover that Henrie was the mastermind behind the series of propaganda articles published in the Royal Gazette throughout the past week. With Karsten as the writer, Henrie skillfully manipulated public opinion surrounding Princess Runa.

"Injustice Unveiled: Princess Runa, A Victim of Betrayal"

"Princess Runa's Path to Redemption"

"Princess Runa's Innocence Revealed"

"Princess Runa's Fight for Justice"

Those titles were among the powerful and widely discussed articles penned by Karsten. Through further investigation, Count Yannik learned that the shift in public opinion extended beyond the nobility and reached the commoners as well.

The once-labeled traitor had now been transformed into the betrayed daughter of a sinful father. Karsten emphasized the intelligence and empathy of the people of Reichwein, suggesting that they could absolve Princess Runa from her father's transgressions.

Count Yannik read aloud a particular passage, chuckling at the clever wordplay, "We shouldn't punish the daughter for what the father did." It was truly an astonishing manipulation of words.

When he received a shocking report about the former princess' disappearance, Count Yannik had diligently inquired of everyone, hoping for any information or knowledge about what had transpired. Yet, all his efforts proved futile.

The disappearance had occurred amidst the turmoil of the trial, and Count Yannik had been too consumed by the chaos within his household to notice anything else. While he regretted his lack of awareness, he now felt a sense of relief knowing that the former princess was still alive.

Furthermore, it became apparent that Prince Henrie held a favorable disposition toward her, evident from his sustained efforts to alter public opinion in her favor.

Upon discovering the truth about his wife and his brother, Count Yannik decided to withdraw the case from trial. Although he harbored regret for doubting his brother, he could not simply revert to their previous relationship, now aware of the betrayal that had taken place between Isaak and his wife.

Ultimately, Count Yannik deemed it best to sever ties with Isaak while continuing their joint family business. As for the countess, she was exiled to a small town, confined within a modest house owned by the Berger family.

As a final testament of Count Yannik's love for her, the countess was permitted to retain her title, despite its diminished significance given her altered circumstances.

She would have no ladies-in-waiting and would live with only a single servant to ensure she did not leave the premises. Additionally, a guard was appointed to oversee her security.

Count Yannik took a deep breath, resolute in his decision to put the past behind him and focus on a more pressing matter that demanded his attention, now that he had the time.

"I believe it's time to pay a visit to the prince," he stated resolutely.

***

Since Runa's arrival in the palace, Henrie had been preoccupied with various matters, including his efforts to sway public opinion in her favor.

Today, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief as the people of Reichwein began to view her in a new light. In celebration of this milestone, Henrie was determined to grant Runa's every wish, no matter how impossible they may seem.

With a radiant smile on his face, Henrie summoned the former princess to the sitting room, expressing his desire to have lunch together. He dispatched a guard to deliver the message, who soon returned with her in tow.

"Greetings, Your Highness," Runa greeted with a bow, gracefully spreading the skirt of her modest dress.

However, Henrie's smile quickly faded upon seeing her attire. His eyes widened in shock as he noticed the faded color and stains on Runa's dress. Despite her fall from the throne in disgrace, Henrie believed she deserved better.

"Who gave you this?" he questioned, his tone filled with indignation.

"Your Highness, a dress is but a dress. As long as it fits me, I pay it no mind," Runa replied calmly.

Unsatisfied with her response, Henrie couldn't accept the mistreatment of his honored guest. Whoever was responsible for this would undoubtedly face severe consequences, Henrie vowed silently.

"But I do mind. Tell me, who is responsible for this? I will ensure that person faces appropriate punishment," Henrie insisted, his determination evident.

"Your Highness, I must confess that I am the one who made this request. Your sisters and mother kindly granted my humble wish. I personally asked them for their old, unused dresses to wear on a daily basis," Runa explained.

Henrie's frown deepened, unable to fully trust her explanation, especially as he observed the maid behind her, appearing anxious and suspicious. "Why are you trembling like that? Are you hiding something?" Henrie directed his question towards the maid.

Runa turned to check on her maid and quickly responded, "Your Highness, I implore you to pardon her. This is Thea, my personal maid, and she is new to this environment. She may not be fully acquainted with the customs here. Please, I humbly request that you overlook this misdemeanor just this once. I promise to reprimand her later."

"Very well, I shall comply with your request. However, I remain dissatisfied with your modest attire. It may lead to others looking down upon you in society. Therefore, we shall go shopping today," he declared.

"I appreciate your kind gesture, Your Highness, but..." Runa began to object.

Henrie raised his hand, cutting her off. "I forbid you from declining. You deserve beautiful dresses that match your own beauty, Lady Runa."

As he glanced at Thea behind Runa, he noticed her silently giggling to herself. It appeared that he was not the only one discontented with Runa's humble fashion choices.

"I understand, Your Highness," Runa finally relented, taking a seat across from Henrie.

Before them on the table, Henrie had arranged a delectable feast. An assortment of breads and a tantalizing soup were prepared as starters. Thea assisted the other servants in pouring tea into Runa's cup.

Throughout lunch, Henrie found himself captivated by Runa's presence. He had to pinch himself occasionally to ensure he wasn't dreaming, for the woman of his dreams was finally sitting beside him.

"How do you find the meal, Lady Runa?" he inquired, hoping to discover her culinary preferences.

"They are delicious, Your Highness," she replied, but her response was brief. Despite Henrie's attempts to delve deeper, she showed no inclination toward expressing her opinions, neither positive nor negative.

"Do you have any specific cravings?" Henrie tried a different approach.

"Not particularly, Your Highness," she responded.

Having failed to establish a deeper connection, Henrie decided to end his attempts for the day. He reassured himself that there would be ample time in the future to get to know Runa better. She must still see him as a stranger, explaining her reluctance to open up about herself.

After lunch, Mr. Hermann, Henrie's valet, entered the room to announce a visitor. Following protocol, non-urgent announcements were not meant to disrupt meals, but this time was an exception.

"Your Highness, Count Yannik has been waiting for you in the Maroth Hall Pavilion," Mr. Hermann informed Henrie.

"Very well," Henrie finished his tea and turned to Runa. "Lady Runa, would you like to accompany me to meet Count Yannik? It appears he wishes to discuss matters concerning you."

He postponed the shopping excursion and instead arranged for the tailors to come to the palace to create Runa's dresses. Now, they made their way to Maroth Hall Pavilion. Upon entering, Count Yannik promptly stood up and bowed.

"Your Highness. Princess," Count Yannik greeted them.

Hearing Runa's former title still felt strange to Henrie. He was relieved that Count Yannik didn't address him as 'prince,' which could create the impression that he and Runa were siblings.

As per Henrie's instruction, Runa began to narrate the entire story to Count Yannik. Despite his initial shock, he was relieved to hear that the kidnappers had not harmed her.

"I don't want you to worry about me, Count. I believe I am safe here," she assured him.

"Count Yannik, I am grateful for your continuous protection of Lady Runa since the regicide. I have been trying to track her down for some time, but without success. I have also heard about the recent leak in Grossfeld. How did that happen?" Henrie inquired, his tone carrying a hint of resentment.

"We are still investigating the individuals responsible for that incident. It appears to be an organized action rather than the work of a lone individual."

"I have full confidence that you will see it through to the end. We cannot allow the perpetrator to escape punishment. Speaking of which, what are your plans regarding your wife?"

Count Yannik revealed his decisions regarding his wife. "Considering the gravity of the attempted murder and the information leak, this punishment may be considered lenient, given the harm it has caused Princess Runa.

"I apologize deeply, Princess, but this is the maximum extent of the penalty I can impose. I implore your kind heart to accept this punishment and nothing further."

He bowed his head, seeking Runa's permission. If it were up to Henrie, he wouldn't let such acts go unpunished with just an exile. Someone had tried to take Runa's life and had endangered her by exposing her whereabouts to the public.

However, ultimately, it was Runa's decision to determine the appropriate punishment for the countess.

"Raise your head, Count Yannik. I accept your judgment. I trust that you have administered justice fairly, and I will not challenge the decisions you have already reached," Runa replied.