In the dining room, as yesterday, the table was laid only for two, and on the floor and walls there was no longer a trace of flowers and petals. But this room still, like the first time, struck me with its size and restrained magnificence. The crystal chandelier, sparkling in the sunlight, played an important role in this.

The amazing optical illusion of an orchid was still sparkling on the windowsill, and majestic mountains and a large lake were visible outside the huge open window.

This time we were not alone: ​​four fair-haired elves in white kimonos stood in an even line along the wall, two more fussed around the...