The Duke sighed in relief, “I haven’t told his mother yet.”
“Now is not the appropriate time. It would be better for Albert to tell the Duchess himself when he wakes up.”
“Of course,” he nodded. “I’m glad you’re both safe, Your Majesty.”
Wilhelmina turned to the other ministers, her smile fading. “Gentlemen, I believe you all know what happened an hour ago. Having such an incident before the end of our honeymoon is absolutely not acceptable, especially since this is less than a month from the last assassination attempt! Mr. Stroz, as the head of the National Security Bureau, do you have anything to say? Don’t tell me you’re sorry. You’ve already said that last time.”
The security bureau chief stepped forward under sympathetic and contemptuous gazes. “This is my negligence, Your Majesty. I will not shirk responsibility. Please allow me to investigate this case, and then I will submit my resignation report.”
Wilhelmina suppressed her anger, stating, “This time, I expect a concrete investigative report, sir, along with a practical solution. My grandfather, Emperor Alexander, faced multiple terrorist attempts, and each time, the security bureau managed to control the situation and conduct a pursuit. I am very disappointed in you, Mr. Stroz. This is your last chance.”
The bureau chief bowed deeply and excused himself to handle the incident.
Wilhelmina issued orders: “I want this incident completely sealed externally. Prince Albert was injured in a horse-riding accident, so no information about this incident should appear in news media or online.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” the news agency director replied.
Wilhelmina addressed her officials meaningfully: “As a queen, my personal safety involves the empire’s dignity. On the eve of the election, this incident signals that our safety is threatened. If terrorist organizations can approach me unnoticed, what place is safe?”
The officials bowed their heads silently.
“My great-grandfather, Emperor Wolrich, once said: A monarch is not an individual, but a reflection point of collective wisdom.”
At this moment, we need to work together to guard our home. I trust you, gentlemen, and hope you will not disappoint me.”
