1 Man Named Stanley

"Your Highness, King George and Queen Olga are already waiting for you in the dining room, and breakfast is ready," a sudden voice from beside Constantine interrupted his thoughts.

Looking up, he saw his personal maid, Nina, two years older than him, who had been by his side since childhood, taking care of his needs. Queen Olga had sent Nina not just as a servant but also as a companion to alleviate the monotony of court life.

Nina, wearing a black maid uniform, her face adorned with a white sanitary cap, looked at Constantine with a mischievous expression, sticking her tongue out.

As they walked towards the dining room, Constantine teased Nina, "Be careful; if Queen Olga sees your playful side, she might transfer you away."

Nina, with a worried look, reminded Constantine of the costly plans he was involved in. "You should worry about yourself. Your plans are ambitious; can they really succeed?"

Constantine, patting Nina's back, reassured her, "Success is in the hands of fate. We can only do our best and leave the rest to destiny."

As they approached the dining room, Nina shifted from a relaxed to a solemn posture, a transformation that amused Constantine. Nevertheless, he refrained from laughing as Nina playfully patted his arm.

Entering a European-style building, adorned with paintings and statues depicting scenes of dining, they proceeded down a corridor. The atmosphere was grand, echoing their footsteps on the black and white tiles. The corridor led to a spacious hall where King George I and Queen Olga awaited.

In this grand setting, Constantine greeted his parents with a bow and Nina stood respectfully behind him. Breakfast was served with precision, and the family sat down to eat.

Queen Olga, after adjusting her napkin, inquired about Constantine's African Congo expedition. He replied calmly, mentioning the arrival of Mr. Stanley, the expedition leader, who would report on the progress and take a brief rest in Athens.