Questioning

Rain poured down in torrents. Without a clock, no one would have known it was already morning.

Aiershortz spread jam on a slice of bread, topped it with cheese, and ate with relish.

Frederick came downstairs, and Gretel immediately brought him bread and hot tea.

Aiershortz said quietly, "I know who the real princess is."

Frederick was curious, but just as he was about to ask, Rose and Renate came downstairs together.

After exchanging polite greetings, the two sat at the table, and Gretel served them breakfast.

Aiershortz asked Rose, "Your Highness, did you sleep well last night?"

Rose replied, "Thank you for your kind hospitality. The mattress was very comfortable, and I slept soundly."

Aiershortz then asked, "Miss Renate, did you rest well last night?"

Renate hesitated before finally saying quietly, "I'm sorry, but I felt something poking me in the back beneath the mattress last night, so I didn't sleep well."

Aiershortz feigned surprise. "Oh, I'm truly sorry."

"Ansel, go tidy Miss Renate's bed again right away."

"Miss Renate, I'll make sure the bed is properly prepared this time, so you can get a good night's sleep."

Renate said politely, "Thank you very much."

Aiershortz and Frederick complained about the weather, then chatted for a while about the local geography. Before long, everyone had finished breakfast.

Rose and Renate still felt tired, and soon returned to their guest rooms to sleep.

Frederick glanced at Aiershortz. The two women's weariness seemed a little strange.

Aiershortz gestured for him to wait. After making sure they had both fallen asleep, she said, "Renate is the real princess. I put a pea beneath her mattress. The fact that she could feel it means she's lived a life of luxury since childhood."

Frederick thought she made a good point.

Aiershortz asked him curiously,