Wilhelmina was slightly surprised. “I’ve taken intelligence courses, sir, though superficially. I know it has been a security threat for many years. Are you suggesting that this assassination might have been planned by them?”
“This is indeed my bold guess,” the Intelligence Bureau chief replied. “Our monitoring report shows they have been much more active recently.”
“Before the interrogation results come out, any of our guesses are useless,” Wilhelmina said evasively. “After such an incident, the imperial capital’s guards will inevitably be strengthened, but I hope we can minimize disruption to the public. Additionally, please find a way to divert media attention away from Countess de Garis—cleverly and effectively, not simply and crudely. Lastly, this matter has disrupted my school visit, and I hope the officials of the Imperial Court can find a way to make amends quickly.”
Wilhelmina glanced at Albert, who sat silently on the side, then announced, “Thank you all, you may leave.”
The officers quickly departed after receiving the order.
When the conference room door closed, Albert stood up and sat next to Wilhelmina Wilna.
“Don’t you have anything to add?” she asked.
“I should not speak at such a meeting,” Albert replied, lowering his head with a slight smile. “I do not have that right. I thought you understood.”
“Rules are made by people,” she said disdainfully. “You are one of the parties involved today, and I need your opinion.”
“It’s okay, Willy,” he reassured her. “Even if I cannot speak at the meeting, I can talk to you privately.”
“Then speak.”
“I think you are too nervous.”
“I don’t understand,” she said, confused.
Albert held her hands in his. “Listen, Willy, today’s incident is a terrible accident. News of the Queen fleeing after an assassination attempt is inevitable. You are arming yourself with calmness and pride, but you cannot hide your inner embarrassment and fear. You worry about the image you have worked hard to build collapsing, and that people will look down on you.”
Wilhelmina opened her mouth but said nothing.
Albert smiled understandingly. “It’s okay, dear. Anyone facing such an event would feel like you. You processed your negative emotions without transferring them to others. You did very well, much better than Annabel and most people.”
Moreover, both I and those ministers admire your composure and calmness.”
