A Royal Visit To Cumsta!

"I'm pleased to see you all here," said Professor Heidi after gathering everyone for another group lesson for the day. She continued while adjusting her glasses, "Our group lesson will not take place at the desk. Today we will have a field trip to the capital, Cumsta, to learn about the lives of the common citizens. It's a lesson to groom you for the throne."

Brunia asked with concern, "Is it genuinely appropriate for us Princesses, to go about town? I have studied the subject, but I've never experienced it myself, only seen it through the safety of the royal carriage."

Kaira added, "I know, same here. It's intimidating."

Professor Heidi reassured them by saying, "Going to town is an excellent experience, I assure you. Besides, it is relatively safe these days."

Licha shrieked with glee, "YAY! Safe and fun; just the way I like it!"

Professor Heidi continued, "Your Highnesses, please assemble at the courtyard carriage house at ten o'clock. We will be incognito. I ask that you wear clothing that will not reveal your identities."

All the Princesses agreed to do so and headed to their respective rooms to change.

*IN BRUNIA'S ROOM*

Brunia was all set to hit the town with her commoner look. Though she is not relatively known to be accustomed to disguises, she dressed right up to the mark. There was a bright scarlet heart-shaped box kept on her dressing table. She opened it to find out if there was any accessory that she could add to her outfit. Brunia found pieces of black hair clips, and bracelet made with colorful beads, a smiling keychain and a pair of earrings inside the case, she smiled at the sight of it, but immediately slammed it close as Licha appeared in the room out of nowhere. Brunia was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't even realize that Licha was standing there for quite some time.

She asked indignantly, "How many times I told you to knock three times before entering?!"

Licha neglected the question and proposed a new one; with her gaze turning sharp and curious, "I'm pretty sure that all those stuff in that box weren't given to you by mother or by any of us sisters, where did you get these from?"

Brunia glared at her and replied with fraudulent ignorance, "Well... I don't know what you're talking about, Licha. Now, isn't Mistress waiting for us at the porch? We must be there at once! We're already late!"

Licha glanced at her watch and said sarcastically, "Fine, genius! I'll let you off the hook this time because we can't keep Professor waiting for so long. But remember, I will be keeping an eye on you."

Brunia gulped in fear and waited for Licha to depart from her chambers. After Licha vacated the area, Brunia dumped the box in one of her hidden drawers and vowed herself never to open it again in front of her family.

*IN THE PALACE GARDENS*

Licha arrived with the Professor waiting and chirped, "Here I am, Professor! Ta-da! I'm gorgeous, aren't I?"

Professor Heidi answered, "I see you are already accustomed to disguises. It fits you like a glove, Your Highness."

Licha responded, "Yes, this is an old hack for me!"

A few moments later, Brunia entered the scene as well. Professor Heidi glanced at her and inquired, "Wow, Princess, even you're accustomed to the outfits of citizens?" Brunia quickly replied, "Umm... no, not really. I have studied the various kinds of articles of clothing the civilians wear on a typical day. I do hope it's sufficient enough to fulfill the purpose."

Not much later, Kaira and Leonora arrived at the front porch, and Professor Heidi said in her mind, "Oh my! Your Highnesses look sumptuous in your outfits! You will blend in splendidly."

Professor Heidi announced, "Now let us be on our way. Do be careful not to draw attention to yourselves."

All the Princesses agreed with their mentor, and the four of them departed in the carriage.

After a while, Professor Heidi requested the driver to stop at a prominent alley of the town. As all of them descended from the vehicle, Brunia held a map and complimented with enthusiasm, "Wow! The town's bustling with life!"

Professor Heidi explained how the royal opera house and the town hall are built on the same ring as the street. She also elaborated on the fact that Cumsta is a metropolitan city with a population of 20 million. Amidst the explanation, Heidi's gaze landed on Licha who was whispering into Brunia's ear. Although she found it to be suspicious of some secret prank, she merely brushed it off and decided to proceed.

After a while, they reached the shopping district, and Professor Heidi proposed that they should split up and explore the various stores on the street. Brunia informed, "Mistress, you'll find me at the book store." She and Kaira went on their own ways leaving Leonora alone with Licha and the Professor. Again, the Professor noticed Licha whispering into Leonora's ear and immediately dragging her into one of the stores. Heidi found herself to be completely perplexed and her curiosity only grew.

*IN THE MEANWHILE*

As Brunia entered the bookstore, the attendant squealed in excitement, "Brunia! It has been a while since you came! Well, good news for you! The latest update of the Science Everyday article is here, waiting for you! You have a lot to catch up on, by the way."

Brunia whispered, "Hey, Chantel, would you kindly do me a favor? My Mistress might come here in a few moments to check on me, so can we please pretend that we don't know each other?"

Chantel raised an eyebrow and asked in curiosity, "Yeah! Anything for you! But why are you asking this?"

Brunia admitted, "Okay, but please promise to keep this a secret! The Mistress doesn't know that I sneak out of the palace to hang out with you and the rest of our friends! Nor she knows anything about my past! I keep it hidden so that my reputation as the most studious and obedient young lady doesn't get tarnished!"

Chantel scoffed, "Ugh! Sometimes I forget that you are the Princess of this realm! I guess my mind is still set in our past memories together. Anyways, don't worry, my lips are sealed!"

Brunia thanked her and moved on with her decision on what book she wants to choose.

A few moments later, Professor Heidi entered and asked, "So, are you enjoying the bookstore?"

Brunia responded, "Mistress! I didn't realize you would come in. This is truly a magnificent place! I always requested a servant to fetch my books for me, but being here in person, I'm intrigued by the vast collection of publications from the fields I've never studied before."

Professor Heidi asked, "Do you plan to buy all of these?"

Brunia buried her face in her hands and said in a frustrated tone, "Ugh! I realize that I cannot carry them all, and I've exceeded my budget, but still!"

Professor Heidi proposed, "Then I'm afraid that you're going to have to narrow it down to the books you want the most."

After surveying the books, Brunia screamed in impediment, "Ugh! It's impossible to decide!"

Chantel went along and reminded politely, "Umm... ma'am, we can hold books for you here."

Brunia was satisfied with the answer and purchased one of the books she chose.

Before leaving the store with the Professor, Chantel pulled Brunia aside and said, "Good acting, but a little much though. Don't you think?"

Brunia scoffed, "Ugh! I'm just glad we pulled it off! Anyways, bye! See you later!"

While walking on the streets, Professor Heidi asked, "By the way, where is Princess Kaira?"

Brunia replied, "She mentioned that she was going to the plaza."

As they arrived in front of a fountain, they discovered Kaira feeding the fluffy white pigeons.

A few seconds later, Licha called out, "Hey, you guys! Come over here! Look, there is a sausage stand right there! I'm peckish, we should give it a try!"

Brunia reminded, "Wait, sister, it appears that this establishment doesn't have tables or chairs."

Licha answered, "No, Brunie! You eat standing up!"

Leonora asked in disbelief, "Standing up? I don't get it! Aren't you allowed to use a knife and fork?"

Professor Heidi responded, "As a commoner, allow me to give you a demonstration." After Heidi ordered them, she elaborated, "Hold it by the bun, open wide and then take a bite. See? That's how you eat it!"

Leonora glared at it, made a disgusted face, and said, "It's gross! I'm not eating it!"

Brunia responded while eating her, hotdog, "You better watch your tongue, Leonora. Look at me, even I'm not that out of place! Eat up now!"

Leonora obeyed without saying another word. Professor Heidi thought, "Hmm... when Princess Brunia instructs Princess Leonora to do something, she silently follows her orders. It should be no surprise, these two girls are very close together and are always a handful."

When the clock struck six, Professor Heidi announced, "Well done, my Princesses, you've had more experiences than I anticipated. Now, when you finish eating your food, we shall return to the palace as the sun is setting."

Behind Heidi, there was an old grandmother with her grandson walking towards the hotdog stand. Suddenly, a thief ran by, pushed the old lady, and stole her backpack. The poor lady couldn't do anything but call out for help. The grandson rushed by her side and cried, "Oh no! Grandmother, are you alright?"

The old lady looked up to see that the thief had gone quite far and that it was impossible to catch him.

Brunia instructed, "Licha, you take care of the old woman! I will call the constable!" She went running to the police station to file a complaint. Soon enough, she came back and informed the Professor that the authorities are on their way.

The little boy whimpered, "Grandma! Are you okay?"

The old lady replied softly, "It was just a tumble, dear. I'm sorry for scaring you. Thank goodness, he pushed me, not you. I'm just happy your safe, my dear."

And she pulled her dearest grandson into a warm embrace.

Leonora saw what transpires in front of her; she remembered her own Grandmother and how much she meant to her. This angered Leonora, and she bellowed at the top of her voice, "That thief will receive no mercy from me! Wait here!! I will get your bag back!! He needs a lesson!"

Professor Heidi reminded, "Quiet. You'll draw attention to yourself!"

Ignoring her instructor, Leonora continued, "I can catch up to him in no time at all. I've won the top prize in the junior track and field 5th division for three years in a row! Don't underestimate me!"

She said the last statement and sprinted away. Midway, someone caught her hand and pulled her back. It was none other than her older sister, Kaira.

Leonora asked, "Why did you stop me?"

Kaira answered while displaying the bag, "While you all were conversing, I caught the thief and brought back the purse."

All the Princesses were shocked as none of them saw Kaira chase after the criminal. The police soon arrived and took him away, and he was jailed for his crime. Leonora's cheeks turned red, and she covered her face with her hat, evidently embarrassed after what transpired. She stammered, "I-I-I didn't realize Kaira went after him."

Professor Heidi turned to Kaira and said, "In any case, you reacted swiftly. It was impressive."

The old woman approached Kaira and spoke, "E-Excuse me. I want to thank you, but this is all I can offer. Have some candy, my dear."

Kaira acknowledged, "Thank you, this is a rare treat." The Grandmother replied, "I'm glad you like it. Would you girls like some too?"

Leonora responded in a relatively soft tone, "Oh no, I didn't do anything to help you."

The old woman countered, "You stood up, bravely for a complete stranger. The sentiment alone made me very happy. In my eyes, you're a true warrior."

Leonora thanked them and thought, "I'm glad I came to town today, and I got to meet these wonderful people."

While their carriage was heading towards the palace, Professor Heidi asked, "You Princesses saw a lot today, think back and tell me did anything catch your eye?"

Leonora answered, "All of the general stores that were opened up."

Licha chirped, "The hotdogs were my favorite! I've never tasted something so delicious."

Professor Heidi responded sternly, "You have not learned the lesson, then!"

Leonora asked in perplexion, "Huh!? What lesson were we meant to learn?"

The Professor explained, "I wanted you to take a note of the people; think about it, they live their lives with pure joy."

Leonora countered, "What about that criminal who stole that lady's purse?"

Professor Heidi continued, "Good observation, but the policemen's swift handling of the situation left a more significant impression on the public. The power to deal with problems quickly and maintain public safety transmitted a prosperous and energetic town full of smiling citizens. These are sights you would have not seen years ago. Twenty million people live here, which means diverse views and perceptions can lead to societal controversies. Your mother, Queen Viktoria, toiled to bring back smiles to this town and to the entire kingdom. Aim to be a ruler who will make the kingdom's history shine even brighter."

Professor Heidi noticed the package and asked, "By the by, Princess Licha, what is the package sitting by your side?"

Licha stammered, "Huh? Oh, umm... I-I assure you that it's nothing special, right, Brunie?"

Brunia replied, "Yes, nothing of concern here!" Leonora merely spoke, "I don't know anything!"

Professor Heidi thought, "They are predictable sisters. These girls are seriously hiding something from me. Well, I suppose that they haven't accepted me as their imperial mentor."

*BACK AT THE ROYAL PALACE*

Leonora yelled, "Heidi! Where do you think you're going?"

Professor Heidi replied, "I'm quite hungry, Princess Leonora, so I was just going to--"

Leonora interrupted the Professor by speaking, "Th-Then won't you join me for a stroll? You just received an invitation from a Princess! You should be flattered, ma'am!"

After they arrived outside the reception hall, Leonora set down the Professor and asked her to wait there. She slightly opened the door and whispered, "Sisters? Are we ready yet?"

Licha yelled, "Wait! No, Leo! We need more time!"

Leonora whispered vengefully, "Are you kidding me?! But she's already here!"

Professor Heidi said, "Whatever you are scheming, you needn't bother hiding it any longer. I will not be surprised by anything you throw at me."

Heidi entered the room to find it decorated with flowers, sparkling chandeliers, and freshly cooked food served on the table!

Everyone present in the room spoke in unison, "Welcome to the White Manor!"

The Professor was so bewildered that she had no words to express her astonishment.

Brunia said, "While some of the dishes may not be very pleasing to the eye, they should please the tongue."

Licha came running to the Professor and squealed happily, "Come on! Don't just stand there! Eat!"

Heidi appreciated the food and all the welcome gifts she received from each of her pupils. At that moment, she felt so happy that she couldn't thank the Princesses enough for all the trouble they took for organizing the event.

*IN HEIDI'S ROOM*

While Professor Heidi was lying on her bed, she closed her eyes and thought, "I was so restless in this room before, but the feeling has waned. It must be because they gave me such a heartfelt welcome. What a delightful night it was! But the fact remains, I DO NOT BELONG HERE."