The day to go the empress to the palace came, Vienna dressed up well and also helped Sanji in this.
Argen decided not to interfere in internal disputes and monitor external circumstances.
"Are you ready?" the girl said placing her hand on his shoulder.
"I have to ask you, are you ready?"
"That's not the right word, I'm just not yet used to seeing my reflection outside the mirror, I thought it would be difficult for you to disguise yourself as a girl, but..."
"Let's get started!!" they both said, clapping their hands at the same time. "We can handle it!!"
----
"Milady! I ask you not to say too much rashly, you are good at it.
"Was that an insult or a compliment?
"Consider this a warning...the Empress is a dangerous person."said Hilda with her eyes piercing Vienna's
"Although everyone makes her out to be a snake..but most know her as a sincere woman who adopted the 2nd prince..who lost his mother at an early age, there is no need to worry so much Hilda.." the young lady said with a shrug and a smile.
"How will you live later, madam...with such easy thoughts...
"Don't exaggerate, I will live with you, you won't go anywhere if I don't go to the next world first," she laughed when she said this.
----
Entering the garden, for the first time, she saw that selfish woman who is on everyone's lips.
"Hail to the Moon of the Empire!" said all the girls in one voice
"I hope the hot heat has not tired you too much..." Empress Cecilia answered in a soft voice, "I hope that your stay here will be comfortable," she continued in a light tone, smiling.
"Thank you" was also answered in unison
All present.
Guests gathered in the garden, delicious treats were served on the tables, and the soft rustling of leaves created a peaceful atmosphere. The Empress, sitting on a decorated bed, talked with young girls, anxiously watching social and political affairs. She kept up conversations about social life, listening carefully to the opinions of her guests, although it was noticeable that her answers were sharp and piercing.
Small talk at a tea party in the palace, between the empress and ladies from aristocratic families, was always an important event.It was a place where the elite discussed the latest news, fashion trends and important events.This time the topic of discussion was popular products and accessories in Biverdity - a fashion center that was a favorite shopping and leisure destination for the aristocracy.
Together they enjoyed tea and light refreshments while the conversation flowed peacefully.
"My dears, today I would like to hear your opinion about the latest popular products and accessories in Biverdity. What new products are catching your attention?
Lady Elizabeth "Your Majesty, the use of exclusive bags from the "Landro Mart" brand has now become very popular. This is a prestigious and stylish accessory that adds elegance to any look. Many ladies from aristocratic families have already acquired these elegant bags.
Lady Catherine "Yes, I completely agree with Lady Elizabeth. "Finet" jewelry is also very popular in Biverdity.The local jewelry shops are simply amazing. I recently purchased a pair of stunning diamond earrings, and they were the best choice I could have made.
"What other products and accessories attract the attention of aristocratic ladies?
Lady Elina "Recently, wearing silk scarves has become very popular. The "Hiros" brand offers a wide selection of various designs and patterns. Silk scarves perfectly complement any outfit and add sophistication to it.
Lady Catherine: Also, it should be noted that Biverdity has many stores that specialize in luxury shoes.Brands like "Ritvir" and "Blatri" offer the most exclusive and fashionable shoes.I believe that a good pair of shoes is the key to a stylish look.
Vienna began to get bored with all this chatter and became lost in her thoughts...
_At the beginning you might think that the empress gathered us out of good intentions towards the future generation, but in reality,secular debate that is inclusive and open to people of all backgrounds plays a critical role in promoting social cohesion and intellectual growth in any society.At the Empress's Garden, these discussions provide a platform for people to share different points of view and engage in thoughtful debate.By transcending religious, political and social divisions, secular debate contributes to the creation of an inclusive and tolerant society in which ideas can flourish and develop.
The Empress Garden serves as a physical manifestation of the empire's commitment to intellectual enlightenment.Its lush greenery and elegant architecture create a tranquil and conducive environment for intellectual pursuits.In this idyllic setting, people from different walks of life come together to have deep conversations, explore new ideas and challenge existing beliefs._
"The girl... the one who sits and doesn't say anything... are you bored?
"Huh? Are you talking about me,your majesty?
"Yes, you are the only one who doesn't participate in the discussion, if there is something more important on your mind, then don't be shy and share it with us.
"The recent epidemic that devastated the Beaverdity Empire had a profound impact on its society.Lives were lost, families were destroyed, and fear gripped the hearts of the population.However, this tragic event also provided an opportunity for reflection and introspection.
That's what I was thinking... sorry if I was rude.."
"Would you like us to know what else was running through your head?" Mrs. Cecilia smiled, closing her eyes and tilting her head to the side.
"Um, well...Medical professionals, scientists, philosophers and citizens from all walks of life shared their experiences, theories and hypotheses regarding the epidemic.These exchanges of information allowed the empire to gain insight into the causes, consequences and potential solutions to the crisis. The diversity of viewpoints allowed for a holistic understanding situation, encouraging exploration of multidimensional approaches to prevention, preparedness and response.
'Gosha
'hey, don't be so rude
'But why did she think about such deep theories during our light conversation?
'too serious, it gives me goosebumps
The girls began to joke among themselves, criticizing and discussing Vienna from toe to toe until the Mistress made it clear to them that they were raging.
"Girls...what do you think about this topic?
'I remember how terrible it was during the epidemic. Many of my friends got sick.
'Yes, it was a terrible time. We were just praying for it to end as soon as possible.
"It was certainly a difficult time, but it doesn't seem like everyone knows about it, does it...Lady Anna?
"Ah..I wasn't in the empire then, so I'm not very familiar with the latest news...
The girl said shyly looking at the table.
"The epidemic broke out due to the unknown disease "Mirpa"
when someone became infected, his skin became covered with red and black spots, he felt either cold or hot, and his eyes filled with pus.
This is the tragedy that happened in our country..." Cecilia answered, clicking her fingers on the table.
Lady Catherine "We have lost so many people due to this epidemic. How did you survive this period, lady?
Lady Lisa "I spent most of my time on my estate, avoiding contact with others. It was hard, but we managed to survive.
Katherine" The epidemic has once again shown how important it's to maintain ties with the scientific and medical community to effectively combat infectious diseases.
Elizabeth "Yes, thanks to their efforts, we've been able to better understand the nature of this epidemic and develop strategies to combat it.
Vienna "We should be grateful for those who worked on the front lines during the epidemic, protecting our communities.
Anna "Yes, doctors, volunteers and other workers deserve our respect and support.
Elizabeth "What do you think caused the Mirpa outbreak?
Katherine "It's hard to say. Perhaps some new conditions or uncleanliness played a role.
Elina "My servants had several sick people.
It's scary to remember.I hope this won't happen again.
Irina "I heard that it was widespread in all regions of the empire.
Natalya "Yes, it was so scary. People were even afraid to go outside.
Eliya " "mirpa" brought us so much disaster. Everyone was waiting for the end of this terrible epidemic.
I hope the empire doesn't have to deal with something like this again.
Katherine " I've heard that this disease has claimed even more lives in other provinces.
Anna "Terrible! I hope people will learn to prevent such epidemics.
Irina "I heard that many houses were isolated.
Elizabeth "Yes, it was unpleasant. People couldn't see their family and friends due to the risk of infection.
Elia "Is the medical community still unable to find a cure for "mirpa"?
I don't think that their prototype, which was used during the fight against this disease, will be relevant for a long time...
Elizabeth "It seems they are still searching. Hopefully they will find a solution soon.
Anna "What measures were taken by Aristocratic fraction?
Natalya "It seems to me that the emperor should show more concern for the health of the people.
Vienna "They carried out quarantine measures and stimulated research, but the results were unsatisfactory.
It seems that we will have to be extremely careful in the future to avoid such disasters...You agree with me, Your Majesty?
Cecilia " Totally agree. We need to learn from this experience.
I hope this terrible epidemic has been an incredible reminder to everyone to practice good hygiene and take care of your health.
---------
_I will have to go to the (attic) where the maids work._
Sanji walked along the corridors of the palace and was looking for someone to become his victim, he wanted to take on a new image of a maid working in the palace and for this he needed to knock her out and hide her in the attic, and after the end of the search, lay her on the floor in the corridor like she was just lost consciousness from exhaustion.
While all possible news and scandals were discussed, Sanji walked around the palace and carried out his plan.
He combed the entire western part of the palace but never found a trace of Isolla.
After he lost all hope, he decided to go to another wing.
"I've already searched everywhere, could it have evaporated into thin air...?"
Sighing, he leaned on the wall and, by pure chance, moved the wall in the hall, went in and returned the wall to its original appearance and began to go down the dark underground stairs.
"I never would have thought that there would be a secret road so deep underground.
With each step the darkness became denser, and only the barely audible rustling of his steps accompanied his journey down. His heart beat louder as he realized that his path now lay in the very heart of the earth.
The light receded so far that it seemed as if it had disappeared into eternal darkness. Sanji descended slowly, carefully feeling each step so as not to lose his balance.His breathing sounded like a loud whisper in the void, and his heart was beating so loudly that it seemed as if it might burst out of his chest.
Time seemed to slow down, and Sanji became increasingly tense through the underground depths.
He soon realized that the way back seemed incomprehensibly confusing.Walls of smooth stone flashed from time to time, as if playing a terrible joke on him.
Trying to get back turned into aimless wandering, as each darkened corridor looked exactly the same as the one he had passed.Sanji felt his throat tighten as he realized that he was lost in this underground labyrinth, and irritation with himself for deciding to come down here in the first place.
With every minute the hopelessness of circumstances became frighteningly palpable.His hope that no one would find him soon began to slowly fade away. Fruitless attempts to find a way out only intensified his panic.
However, despite all the difficulties, Sanji did not lose courage.He knew he needed to keep his cool and continue to find a way.
_it's so dark, I need to find at least some source of light..._
Although he thought about it, in such darkness it was impossible to see anything with his eyes, and he simply followed his instincts.
He continued his path, walking in circles, up and down, there were several intertwined roads that completely confused him, he had already lost hope until he came across a wooden barrier.
It was a wooden wall with holes.
"New puzzle? How confusing it is...
Without expecting anything, he kicked this strange door and the sound of bells erupted.
"Oh damn, that was risky"
Thinking where to hide, a girl was peaking, she looked around looking for someone.
Sanji decided to take advantage of this to sneak .
"Isn't this Mrs. Isolla herself?
"And who are you..?" Turning around, she asked, "Did he really send you..."she said whispering under her nose
"I came on behalf of His Highness!
"But...why did he send you?
"Don't you guess it yourself?
"Really...he finally decided to accept me and my feelings..?!
"But..what do you like so much about him?...since you did such an act..phew," sighed the disguised puppet.
"Mmm? What a stupid and obvious question..?
Of course his golden hair...
_what..?_ Sanji was surprised, staring at her.
"I can't take my eyes off them...
Although he doesn't claim the throne... but he has broad ambitions, and.." she smiled and began to giggle, "if I take his side and support him, then we can achieve everything and finally we will have power thanks to which no one can separate us...!
She talked non-stop and when she took a break, Sanji immediately said his own:
"Eh...you disappointed me..."
_I need to talk her teeth and get away from here.
Since she told me everything, she doesn't have much intelligence, now it's clear why she's in prison._
he straightened his hair and looked sadly into her eyes...
"And why didn't you like my answer?
"His Highness...he said that if you mention his golden hair...you can forget about his imminent favor.
(You might think that when the wooden town opened, Isolla gained freedom, but fortunately or unfortunately, there is a metal grate behind this wall, which is why Isolla remains locked even if she can communicate with the outside underground world.)
"What do you mean?
"how can you be so impudent? If you want me to report to his lordship about your statement,then it's better to forget you and release you as soon as possible...
"What are you hinting at? How dare such a rootless servant talk to me like that?!"
"Don't stare at me like that, madam, I'm actually saving you indirectly now, if there was someone else here in my place, he would immediately report your words to His Highness..
"But what clause do you use to avoid his interrogation?
"I'll just say that I found you sleeping and you looked tired, so I decided not to bother you.
-------
_the matter became much more complicated than I imagined...
There are two options: either the emperor has an illegitimate son, whom he carefully hides, or... His Highness second prince is hiding something...
The only member of the royal family with golden hair whom I saw was the Crown Prince and he's definitely the last one to refuse the throne..._
"I need to go and quickly tell everything to the master...
Climbing this dark and endless staircase, standing near the wall towards the exit and trying to escape...
"Ugh, how can I get out? Just move it?
That's how it all happened, moving the wall aside, a blinding light hit his pupils.
"How bright..!" Sanji said, covering his face with his hand. "Now I need to hurry up...!"
Looking around, he began to run to get out of this castle as quickly as possible.
"Hey!you!
Turning around, he saw an old woman.
"Why are you here, Wendy?
I told you to take the sweets to Mrs. Cecilia.
"Oh, sorry, madam..." she said leaning over.
"Hurry up!
"Yes, madam...!
_oh no, things are bad, if I don't want people to start suspecting an invasion, then it's better to complete this task.
If I bring the real Wendy to her senses... it will lead to new problems...
Taking a tray with all sorts of pies, he went into the garden. Walking to the ladies' table, he put down the sweets and tossed a note to Vienna.
Guessing that this message shouldn't fall into the hands of others, she went to the restroom.
As he was about to leave, Sanji tripped over the hem of the Empress's dress...
And while Vienna was away, this unpleasant incident occurred with Cecilia's torn dress...