"Fred," a low voice whispered through the phone.

"Yes?" Fred answered.

"Let them do it."

Fred's eyes widened, and he glanced over his shoulder. The hazmat-suited man remained motionless, awaiting his response.

Stepping away, Fred lowered his voice. "Your Majesty, you know their intentions. They aren't here to disinfect the embassy. They're here to—"

"Find someone, right?" the Queen interrupted.

"You knew, yet you...?" Fred was bewildered. He'd assumed the Queen was unaware of the hazmat team's true purpose. Her knowledge left him questioning her motives. "If they do find them, wouldn't they..." he trailed off.

"Fred, this is the embassy, not the Royal Palace of Yudonia. How many times can you turn them away? They will keep returning," the Queen explained, pausing. "Let them do as they please. A thorough search will satisfy them, and prevent further intrusions."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Fred replied, disconnecting the call. He paused, then turned to the hazmat-suited man. "How many of you are there?"

"Five," the Hyderland officer responded, his tone unfriendly. "The others are on different floors. Shall I summon them?"

"No need. Do your job. Disinfect every room on every floor. If we contract any diseases, I'll hold your government accountable!" Fred insisted, pointing.

The man replied sarcastically, "Your Grace, surely you understand the virus's origin might not be Burnwken, despite the pandemic's start there. This is a global disaster; your country has numerous cases. We're simply trying to help. As for responsibility? That lies with whoever started this, wouldn't you agree?"

"What do you mean?" Fred asked, sensing the implication.

"I'll be more explicit next time," the man said, activating his fogger. "I'd better begin before I disrupt your work."

He aimed the nozzle, and Fred stepped back to avoid the spray. The man began to disinfect the area.

A guard approached Fred. "Your Grace, what is our course of action?"

Fred raised a hand, signaling his men to remain calm, but his gaze remained fixed, intensely focused on the hazmat-suited man. Meanwhile, Alexander systematically sprayed each room on every floor.