[Scene 1: A grand palace hall filled with mirrors and golden decorations. The emperor is sitting on his throne, surrounded by courtiers.]
Emperor: (proudly) My dear subjects, today I shall wear the most magnificent clothes ever seen! They will be so beautiful that only the wise and worthy can see them.
Courtier 1: (nodding eagerly) Your Majesty, such a garment would indeed befit your greatness.
Courtier 2: (also nodding) Yes, it will make you look even more splendid than before!
[Two swindlers enter, bowing deeply.]
Swindler 1: Great Emperor, we have heard of your desire for extraordinary clothing. We are masters at weaving fabrics of unparalleled beauty and craftsmanship.
Swindler 2: Our looms produce threads that shimmer like starlight and colors that dazzle the eyes of the discerning.
Emperor: (intrigued) Tell me more about these marvelous garments.
Swindler 1: Of course, Your Majesty. But there is a catch - only those who are intelligent and virtuous can perceive our creations. Fools and the unworthy will see nothing at all.
Swindler 2: It is a test, Your Majesty. Those who fail to appreciate our work reveal their own lack of wisdom.
Emperor: (smiling cunningly) Excellent! Such a test suits my royal dignity perfectly. Proceed immediately with this noble endeavor!
[Scene 2: Several weeks later. The swindlers pretend to weave fabric using empty spools and invisible threads.]
Swindler 1: Look here, Your Majesty. See how the thread glows under the light?
Swindler 2: And feel its softness between your fingers – it’s unlike anything else in existence!
Emperor: (pretending to examine closely) Indeed, it feels quite extraordinary... (to himself) But where exactly is it?
Courtier 1: (whispering to another courtier) I must say, I don’t see any fabric...
Courtier 2: (whispering back) Neither do I. Perhaps it’s too subtle for common eyes?
[The tailor measures the "fabric" onto the emperor while he stands naked.]
Tailor: Perfect fit, Your Majesty! Now just step into your royal robes...
[Scene 3: The grand parade through the city streets. The emperor parades wearing nothing but his underwear, believing himself adorned in splendid attire.]
Citizen 1: (gasping softly) Does anyone else not see any clothes?
Citizen 2: (shaking head) No, I don’t either... But who dares speak up?
Child: (pointing and laughing) The emperor isn’t wearing anything at all!
Crowd: (murmuring loudly) The child speaks the truth! He has no clothes on!
Emperor: (blushing furiously) Guards, silence them immediately!
[The guards attempt to quiet the crowd but fail as more citizens join in mocking laughter.]
[End Scene]
Narrator: Thus ended the tale of the emperor’s new clothes – a story reminding us all to speak honestly and trust our own judgment over flattery and deceit.
