Wilhelmina then picked up a storage disk labeled “For Wilhelmina – Your Grandfather” and inserted it into the archive reader. A white light flashed, and the image of the late Emperor Alexander appeared on the holographic projection.
“Vili, is that you?” the old man asked, looking kind and gentle. “If you are watching this, I am truly happy for you. I know you will be a wise monarch.”
The young people exchanged a surprised glance at the emperor’s prophecy, shocked by his wisdom.
“My darling Vili, you have come here to learn the truth about your parents’ deaths. I want to tell you the truth—a truth I have never told you before. You must be able to listen to me rationally now.”
“Your parents were both killed by assassination, and the murderer is my own child. Vili, it was your uncle, Heinrich…”
Wilhelmina suddenly stood up, nearly knocking over a pile of documents. Albert jumped up to support her, worried she might lose control.
But Wilhelmina remained stiff and pale, listening intently to Emperor Alexander’s narrative.
“He did not intend it, but your parents died because of his stupidity and cowardice. Despite their divorce, they maintained a commitment to your upbringing and public welfare, particularly in mining and protecting rare interstellar metals.”
“Even after the divorce, your mother, a passionate journalist, continued her work. In 7369, when you were four, she received information about a mining company that instigated a local genocide to monopolize mineral resources, resulting in nearly a million deaths.”
“I remember this,” Wilhelmina told Albert, “but it was always said to be fabricated.”
“Your mother participated in the investigation, determined to expose the truth. The opposing side engaged in illegal trades and terrorist activities.”
Unfortunately, we had internal personnel colluding with this force. Yes, it was your uncle Heinrich.
The Barbara family had begun to incur huge debts. Your uncle was weak and unable to control his wife, which led to pressure on your mother. She planned to inform your father and then me, but as a divorced queen, her status was that of a commoner, leaving her without adequate protection.
Your mother was killed on her way to the capital in an airship accident. I am sorry, Vili, for my ignorance.
“And my father?” Wilhelmina asked softly.
