Today was the zoo's first day of business, and also the public holiday known as "Match Day," so well over ten thousand Parisians had gathered here. But tickets were limited, and a third of them had failed to buy any; they could only wait outside in burning anxiety—fortunately, the zoo's management had just said that another batch of tickets might be put on sale at four in the afternoon.
Joseph, dressed in plain clothes, and Alexandra squeezed with difficulty up to the front gate. Kexer stuffed a handful of tickets into the ticket inspector's hand, and the group walked through the gates under the envious gazes of countless citizens who had failed to buy tickets.
The Russian Princess, who had followed rules and propriety since childhood, was pulled along by Joseph through the bustling crowd, and only felt that this moment was filled with a freedom and ease she had never known before.
This was also why Joseph had not come here as the Crown Prince. What difference would that have been from looking at animals in the gardens of Versailles Palace? Besides, the Royal Guards would definitely have caused chaos among the visitors.
After walking a little farther, Joseph bought two Spiral Potato Towers from a roadside stall—the largest size—and then shoved one of them to Alexandra.
The little girl looked at the crowd around them and said hesitantly, "You mean, eat it here? That seems rather improper..."
Joseph blew on the potato tower that had just come out of the fryer, then took a big bite to demonstrate for her.
The Crown Princess Consort showed an understanding smile, followed his example and took a bite, then nodded and made a muffled sound. "Mm, it's really good!"
The two walked past the cage of Long-tailed Monkeys shrieking wildly with