After the queen’s birthday ball, the palace interior ministry began preparations for the coronation ceremony. Considering the election and wedding, the coronation was set for September 18th, with the wedding on October 22nd. After the royal couple returned from their honeymoon, the empire’s first national election would begin. The merger of the Senate and Assembly was a historic change.
Elders above the red crown could enter the upper house, while the remaining Senate would lose political rights, becoming a space for secular spiritual leadership.
The coronation ceremony will take place in the White Pearl Hall of the Pantheon, attended by the Emperor’s senior officials, meritorious nobles, and prominent religious figures.
Suddenly, a previously ignored issue arose.
“Yes, I am a Christian,” Wilhelmina said calmly. “I followed my mother and grandparents in faith. I’m not a devout believer and haven’t been to church in years, but I was baptized. The royal family has never restricted members’ religious beliefs; Emperor Wolrich had no religious affiliation. So, I don’t think this will be a problem.”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” the palace official said, sweating and forcing a smile, “do you plan to be crowned by the Pope instead of the Grand Elder?”
“Of course not,” Wilhelmina replied. “Doing so would displease the Elder Council and label me a ‘heretic’. But I won’t abandon my faith; it has supported me through difficulties.”
“Moreover,” Albert added, “Christians in the Empire now account for 34%. The Queen’s Christian faith is not extraordinary; it could help win over the long-neglected Christian court.”
“Thank you, Albert,” Wilhelmina smiled at her fiancé.
The palace official lowered his head, pretending not to notice.
“Regarding the coronation…” Wilhelmina began, tapping her fingers on the armrest. “We need to accommodate both sides. The Empire has no official religion, but being crowned by the Elder is tradition, and the Elder Council has always supported me.”
“What if both religious leaders crown you together?” Albert suggested.
The palace official was taken aback, but Wilhelmina exclaimed, “What a great idea! Albert, you’re brilliant!”
“The ceremony is negotiable, but deciding who ultimately places the crown is more difficult,” Albert said.
“Normally,” Wilhelmina explained, “one person recites the words and holds the crown while another places it. Placing the crown is seen as a significant ritual.”
