Franz learns that Prussia is arming itself for a war and Bismarck is getting the German allies, even Sisi's native Bavaria's king Ludwig refuses passage to Austrian troops. While buying army himself, Franz follows Marie's advice to choose simple models which fresh recruits, as will be needed, can handle, after nearly returning Marie to the nuns orphanage for intruding the crown prince's nursery and setting fire to an imperial bed, but also reporting bad child care from staff. Sisi visits count Andrassy's Hungarian home estate, where he confirms that Bismarck asked his defection, while German army are secretly delivered. Hearing about failed harvests spelling famine, she successfully petitions Franz for a generous grant and helps with a wounded stallion causing havoc.
—KGF Vissers