Olga appeared at the bow in full ceremonial dress, surrounded by a similarly splendidly dressed retinue of maidservants.
Olga waved her arm. Thanks to her father, she did not have a bad impression of Britain, and she truly enjoyed this feeling of looking down from on high.
But the Britons on both banks had already packed together in a solid mass. It was their first time seeing such a breathtaking spectacle.
Seeing the beautifully dressed woman aboard wave at them, they too began waving their arms without realizing it. Even those who had booed the loudest earlier had now removed their hats, held them to their chests, and saluted the people aboard.
Two rows of ramrod-straight honor guard soldiers descended the gangway. They wore the Austrian Empire's traditional white uniforms and marched with high steps.
Next, a massive elevator descended from the ship, carrying a carriage cast from silver and studded with countless gemstones in every color.
But even more eye-catching were the four golden steeds at its front. They were tall, powerful, and quiet, their long manes setting imaginations running wild.
Without question, Olga's entrance had won the Austrian Empire more than enough attention. The empress, the fine steeds, and the magnificent carriage were so dazzling that few people paid much attention to what exhibits the Austrian Empire had brought.
Though it was major news and could raise the Great Exhibition's profile, Britain's upper ranks could not possibly be happy about it.
London, Whitehall.
John Russell's expression was terrible.
"The Austrians definitely arrived on a ten-thousand-ton giant vessel this time. What is your Ministry of the Navy even for? Didn't you guarantee that the Hindustan and the Victory would make their appearance as the grand finale?"
The Duke of Northumberland replied unhurriedly.
"The Austrians' ship has no story, while