Franz liked to look out through the windows, because beyond the palace walls lay many things he could not see otherwise.
But some sights made Franz feel deeply out of place. For instance, all of Vienna was currently decked out in green.
That was right—green Christmas trees, green ribbons, green Santas, green gift boxes.
Franz had received a green gift box as well. Under the expectant gazes of Empress Olga and the maids, he opened it to find, conspicuously placed inside, a green hat.
Franz truly wanted to slap these people to death. The cultural difference was far too great. Of all things to give as a gift, they had given him a green hat.
"Come on, put it on and see whether it fits!"
"Hurry! Hurry!"
The women all looked eagerly expectant, making Franz even more awkward.
In fact, in Austrian—and even German—tradition, green represented health and good fortune. Even rising stocks were shown in green. Incidentally, the ancient Romans regarded green as a symbol of savagery and violence.
As for the red Christmas outfits seen today, they actually owed much to Coca-Cola Company advertisements and certain later fairy tales.
As the old saying went, "When you enter a village, follow its customs." But Franz was not someone who would remain bound by rules forever.
Franz let out a roar, then charged at the crowd with claws bared and fangs flashing. At the sight, the women scattered and fled in all directions.
He was the Emperor now. Even if he acted a little absurdly, people could accept it.
The others were one thing, but for his own Empress to give him that green hat was going too far. Tonight, he had to punish her severely.
Everyone chased and played in the snow, though Vienna had not actually seen snow