Thirty:

Candidates soon waited in line all around the island to compete for marital bliss with the King of the World.

"Number five thousand, one hundred twenty-one," said Eliza. "Please give us your name."

"Susan," said five thousand, one hundred twenty-one.

"Susan," said Mimbleshaw. "If accepted to be Queen of the World what would you do?"

"I've signed up for veterinary school," said Susan. "After I finish I hope to feed the hungry stray dogs of the world. His Majesty won't have to see me naked, will he? With him not a human and making comments and all."

Susan, unfortunately, did not pass the horse-riding portion of the competition.

"Number five thousand one hundred twenty-two," said Eliza. "Please give us your name." Before five thousand, one hundred twenty-two could answer, however, a giant with the head of a bull — a Minotaur — barged in and interrupted the interview cycle.

"No cutting," said five thousand, one hundred twenty-two. The Minotaur left a package.

"What does the card say, Human?" said Mimbleshaw.

"What does it say?" said Brian. "You mean you can talk, but can't read?"

"I have found that 'No' typically serves all of my literacy purposes," said Mimbleshaw.

"I can read." Eliza grabbed Brian. "No, his finger is still much too skinny," she said of the eraser-end of Brian's pencil.

"Yes, yes, Eliza," said Mimbleshaw. "But what does the note say?"

"Aw, that writing is too small for my sensitive, pink eyes to read," said Eliza.

"Alas," said Spot. "A mystery lost to the relentless forward march of the ages."

"It says, 'T minus 3,'" said Brian.

"Ah," said Spot. "And the tiara must mean he has Mademoiselle Princess from the big tent."

"Oh, yes, little-boy finger," said Eliza. "We will make you fat."