I don't think so because it's the exact same for me in all the saves I've had so far as well. it could be a bug, or it could have a requirement we have yet to reach/has yet to be added in game?
That's exactly what I want to know
Poor Bernie needs the rooms more than us, but still... Going in and out the city every single time isn't really and easy job for the Herbalist (when it's not night and we have to wait for the next day), and it'd be so fun to just brew some potions while Bernard's like, admiring us or something - that would be so like him
oh. oh my god I need that now. just Bernard doing his work but it's going slow and we're just making potions and he just stares all lovey dovey causing us to ask "something up?" or idk and he's just still quiet because he's admiring us and only realizes we noticed after a minute and gets hella embarrassed or something cute like that.
Yup
I was thinking of something like, we open the table, use it, and the moment we close it pops up a text saying like:
Idk, wariness check?
You've noticed while working that Bernard's attention has been on you. For a while now. He's been quiet and is working slower than usual, just to watch you. Admiring you, openly so. Once every few seconds he shifts his whole attention to what you're doing, probably thinking you'd never notice.
Now, depending on your intimacy level:
"What?" You ask the shopkeeper.
"What, what?" Bernard smiles looking at you.
"You're staring."
1st: "It's just fascinating to watch an Herbalist work, I guess. Just a bunch of ingredients and boom, a potion. I could never, I'm sure of it. You just makes it look so easy. I know I'd make mess after mess." He's pats your back affectionately. "Glad to know we're in your very capable hands."
You smile, finishing up what you were doing, and gives Bernard a hug.
"Thanks, Bernard."
He kisses you on your forehead, answering the hug with a bear one.
"Anytime, [name]. Glad you're visiting me more often to work. Always a pleasure to spend time with you."
Then we leave, finishing this interaction.
2nd: "I am admiring you work. Do you have a problem with that [name]?"
"Nope." You smile. "Not at all."
Finishing what you're doing, you turn, getting close to the shopkeeper. He smiles more openly, hugging your waist, resting his forehead in yours. Your hands on his chest.
"I'm glad you're visiting me so often, even if it's just to work. I get to spend more time with you, and I can admire you brewing your potions. Never seize to amaze me watch you doing it, looks so easy. Not that I could ever do it."
"Dunno, I never had an apprentice before." You joke, earning a smirk. "Also never heard of an apprentice having other apprentice. Want to try?"
"No, thanks." He laughs. "My hands could never work on something so delicate." He pauses. "Well, aside from you, maybe..."
"Oh, Bernie..."
A tender kiss followed, showing how much the appreciated you and your presence. The pure joy on his smile after the kiss made you smile as well. You'd never get tired of kissing this man.
"Now I have to go back to work. Come visit more often."
"For you to admire me working?" You tease.
"You'll have to come again to discover." He kisses your nose. "Always a pleasure to spend time with you. Love you."
"Love you too, Bernie."
Then, we leave ♡
But still, that's just me and my hopeful heart to have cute interactions with this teddy bear ♡