At the end of the semester, Annabel graduated from the intermediate department of the Odin Imperial Academy and entered the advanced department of the Tir Military School, majoring in communications.
On Annabel’s sixteenth birthday, the Empire issued a set of paper stamps and tourism commemorative coins featuring her. Her portrait rights were conditionally lifted, leading to her portraits and dolls being sold in the market.
Annabel began accompanying the Emperor to public events: horse racing, art museum receptions, charity fund-raising, and visits to military retirement homes.
The young heir apparent was full of spirit and had a brilliant smile. The media called her the Empire’s sweetheart, praising her appearance and intellect.
The campus without Annabel remained unchanged. Wilhelmina led a monotonous student life, slightly nearsighted and always hugging books, looking like a complete bookworm.
When she saw a gossip newspaper with her own photo—disheveled hair, big glasses, and toast hanging from her mouth—buried in a book while walking, Wilhelmina burst out laughing.
“I look just like Judy from ‘Judy Moore’s Adventures’, don’t you think, Owen?”
“I think you look much better than the actress,” Hans Borg said, folding the newspaper. “I will investigate this matter. Please have your breakfast first.”
“Don’t be so serious,” Wilhelmina replied. “This newspaper once published a photo of Georgiana picking her ears. Compared to her, my photo is quite good. I wonder if Grandpa has seen it. He would find it amusing.”
“Then please have your breakfast and go greet His Majesty.”
Emperor Alexander caught a cold in early spring, eventually developing pneumonia. It wasn’t until early summer that his condition slightly improved, yet he continued to handle state affairs during his illness.
While this demonstrated the Emperor’s dedication, it exposed the Empire’s crisis from another perspective.
Annabel began assisting in state affairs during the Emperor’s serious illness. With the help of ministers and her caution, these matters were handled well, earning her praise from the Emperor. However, she was still young and inexperienced.
The Emperor had to consider if Annabel could support the Empire in his absence. The answer was negative, prompting him to discuss constitutional amendments with the Senate elders.
“Grandfather doesn’t trust Annabel,” Karens told Wilhelmina. “He thinks she lacks the ability and wants to promote a constitutional monarchy during his lifetime to allow others to manage the Empire for her.”
“But Annabel performed well during Grandpa’s illness,” Wilhelmina countered.
“Please, Willy. Hugging orphans at a charity hospital is something anyone can do,” Karens said. “Mom mentioned that Grandfather’s support for a constitutional monarchy is stronger than ever.”
“Annabel won’t be happy about this,” Wilhelmina said, raising an eyebrow.
“I see her acting obediently like a little dog now,” Karens added, “but she always puts on an act. Those ministers think she’s a well-behaved doll.”
“But she must listen to Grandpa. Uncle lost his crown for defying Grandpa.”
“She’s obedient now, but what about the future?” Karens disagreed.
Could the elderly Emperor not see what even a child could? The aged Emperor was wise and understood his descendants well, which is why he put constitutional monarchy back on the agenda.
The two children were not particularly interested in Annabel or the Empire’s future. They had graduated from the Odin Academy’s junior department. Wilhelmina excelled, receiving honorary member and outstanding cooperative association officer medals. The Emperor rewarded her with a young mare named Nancy, raised at the Rose Palace’s horse farm. Wilhelmina rode her weekly after school, guided by Hans Borg. On good weather days, they rode along the pasture slopes, galloping to the New Loire Valley.
They passed through the forest, enjoying the castles and estates hidden among the trees. The valley was lush with greenery and wildflowers at the start of summer. Horse hooves startled small birds, and occasionally a wild rabbit dashed through the grass.
Royal children have always been precocious, especially those caught in the whirlpool of power.
Wilhelmina was no longer the naive and clever girl from two years ago; her intelligence had evolved into shrewdness, and her innocence had settled into steadiness. She was better at concealing herself and adept at planning for the future.
As a child without parents, her aging grandfather could not provide her with more care, and her loyal secretary had no right to guide her. She had to mature quickly and choose the right path amid her family’s neglect.
A twelve-year-old may not fully understand the future, but Wilhelmina always remembered her grandfather, Mr. Lehmann’s advice: no matter how wealthy life is, do not become idle. Life becomes fulfilling by having goals, and only with a fulfilling life can one avoid the tragedy of decadence.
While she did not know what industry she would pursue, she believed that choosing based on her interests would be beneficial. For this reason, she chose the military academy.
Chapter 19
Shortly after her twelfth birthday, Wilhelmina packed her bags and left Little Buckingham Palace, heading to the Tyr Imperial Military Academy on the Mosgran planet in the Odin satellite.
She would enter the intermediate section of the military academy, and after three years, if she passed the exam, she could choose her specialty.
If she passed the test in her second year of the senior section, she could enter the university preparatory class in her third year.
Karns and Angela accompanied her through the gates of the Tyr Imperial Military Academy.
The buildings were purple-gray, dark and solemn. Although the campus was lush with flowers and grass, there was a thick atmosphere of solemnity.
The first month of new students was military training, starting with the need to set aside all external glamour and luxury.
Wilhelmina changed into a blue-black training uniform, tucking her pants into military boots. She had cut her waist-length golden hair short before enrollment, now perfect for a neat ponytail.
The girl in the mirror had a delicate face, and the loose uniform made her look small, a typical military academy rookie.
The school still provided some conveniences for royal children; Wilhelmina could once again share a dormitory with Angela. Angela had always been taller and developed earlier, with her body showing curves. She tightened her belt, tilted her cap, and walked forward, drawing whistles from many boys.
“Look at this military training schedule,” Angela said. “How unscientific! Why is the meal time only fifteen minutes? Chewing slowly is good for digestion!”
Eating quickly is bad for the stomach! Why are there emergency assemblies in the middle of the night? Sleep is important for the skin!
“Darling, this is a military academy,” Wilhelmina said as she helped Angela tidy up the room. “If you wanted beauty sleep, you should have stayed at the Odin Academy. If you don’t learn to organize your things, the instructor will have your life during training.”
“I just want to enter the medical academy!” Angela lay on the bed, sighing loudly. “I just need to stand in front of the operating table with a scalpel. Why do I have to run ten kilometers with a big bag?”
Wilhelmina sighed and lay down next to her. “My grandfather’s health is getting worse.”
Angela glanced at her. “No wonder the Emperor hasn’t appeared in the media for a long time. My parents say he might be ill again.”
“It’s hereditary. Maybe I’ll die from it too,” Wilhelmina said candidly. “His nervous system is weakening, and he’s especially prone to falling into an endless sleep. Maybe one day, he’ll never wake up again.”
