Wilhelmina looked at him in disbelief. “Are you asking me to use my own people’s lives as bait?”
“They were the target to begin with, and our goal is to minimize the situation,” Hans Borg said. “If you change the voting location now, the terrorist organization will plan a new attack. Will the next time be as fortunate, with intelligence intercepted and time to prepare?”
His forceful and reasoned argument left Wilhelmina speechless. Her military school experience indicated this was the best chance to capture them.
“If casualties occur…”
“You’ve already saved their lives,” Hans Borg said firmly. “There’s no victory without sacrifice, Willy.”
You’ve been too successful, making you see everything too ideally. If we don’t set up an ambush this time, next time there might be more casualties. Will you regret your mercy then…”
“Enough,” Wilhelmina’s face turned pale. “I understand.”
Hans Borg stopped speaking at just the right moment.
Wilhelmina leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples. She felt she was standing in front of a massive historical wheel, able to control its direction but terrified of losing that control.
“I will keep it confidential,” Hans Borg said with his usual loving gaze. “Your Majesty, you’ve made the right decision.”
Due to the election, Wilhelmina and her husband spent the following day in the study, watching the news. This was her first step toward democracy in the Galactic Empire, which had been a monarchy for hundreds of years.
The news anchor reported the voting scenes from various locations with enthusiasm, showing crowds at polling stations where families participated together. The media dubbed it “Election Day” and suggested celebrating it annually.
Interviewed citizens cheered for their candidates, with banners reading “Long Live the Wise Queen,” expressing their support and gratitude for Wilhelmina’s initiative.
Wilhelmina smiled slightly, maintaining her position.
Albert observed her and said, “You look nervous.”
“Really?” Wilhelmina responded intensely.
Cairns, who joined to enjoy the moment, agreed with Albert, “There’s nothing to worry about, Willy. The results of this election are already obvious.”
Angela added, “I’m thinking about what congratulatory gift to give Hans Borg. It’s difficult to choose, and I want to avoid any accusations of bribery.”
Wilhelmina chuckled but was interrupted by a reporter’s exclamation from the TV.
