Lv Beke, the Chief of Internal Affairs, opened the door, and the ministers walked out, with the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Justice looking furious, followed closely by the Minister of State, who shook his head sternly.
In the audience chamber, Annabel sat on the throne, supporting her forehead with her eyes closed, appearing extremely tired. She did not raise her head when everyone bowed.
Wilhelmina made eye contact with Marshal Selberg, who politely bowed to her.
“I believe you all know why I called you here,” the queen spoke, her voice slightly hoarse. “We have encountered difficulties regarding trust and the law. Lord Stanford is my cousin, and I mistakenly thought he was just an ordinary playboy.”
No one spoke as Brück served tea and refreshments. Everyone silently added sugar and milk to their tea, resembling attendees of a memorial service.
Annabel continued, “I am very sorry for my mother’s actions. But that cannot be changed now.”
I will do my best to make amends and restore our lives to peace. I hope that during this time, my family, you will live quietly and calmly, remain composed, and show sympathy, but do not speak to the media unnecessarily.”
The queen’s tone became severe, “My temper is really bad, especially when someone troubles me. We should unite and stand together. Now is not the time to kick someone when they’re down.”
Everyone responded with silence.
Annabel nodded and said to Wilhelmina, “I heard you had a pleasant time with the Grand Duke of Luxembourg today, and I’m glad. I’ve invited him to stay longer. If your school workload isn’t too heavy, try to spend some time with him.”
“I’m afraid not, Your Majesty,” Wilhelmina replied. “There are only two weeks left until the high school graduation exam, and I hope to graduate with top honors.”
Annabel frowned, “At a time like this, I don’t want to hear anyone say ‘no’ to me, Willy. Now, you may all leave.”
Everyone stood up and exited the audience chamber quietly.
Walking down the corridor, Princess Catherine expressed her contempt, imitating Annabel’s tone, “Don’t think of opposing me, don’t think you have a chance to overthrow me. Now, get out. Isn’t that what she meant?”
“I thought she would be more subtle,” Princess Marianna said.
“She is just as arrogant as her mother,” Princess Catherine said. “Heinrich should never have married Barbara. She is not nobility; her family, though wealthy, has no title. Now she needs Annabel to mobilize royal funds to cover her grandfather’s debts?”
“Not just royal funds,” Princess Marianna interjected. “Look at Lord de Cock’s expression; it’s more complicated.”
“She would never dare to use the national treasury,” Wilhelmina argued.
“Don’t be naive,” Catherine sneered. “She thinks what belongs to the empire belongs to her.”
“How big will this blow-up be?” Wilhelmina asked. “She claims she wants to make amends. How will she do that?”
“Just talk. With royal pardon, can we even pursue her and Barbara? That serial killer boy probably won’t survive, but what of it?” Marianna snorted.
“Willy darling, lay low,” Catherine advised. “Stay at school and don’t come back.”
Following her aunt’s advice, Wilhelmina returned to school, declining all court engagements, including a date with the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. She focused on her studies, avoiding club activities and interviews.
The day after the “Red Castle Incident,” media began to criticize the queen’s unauthorized use of royal funds.
Barbara’s failed investments and the Figgerheim clan’s financial crisis made headline news. The queen’s family repeatedly requested massive funds from her over the past five years, using their status to land-grab in newly developed remote planets, expelling indigenous populations and creating bloodbaths. Despite these conditions, the family was deeply in debt.
The serial murder investigation continued, uncovering twelve complete female corpses by the second evening, with Jenny’s body still missing. Lord Stanford’s temporary residence was surrounded by a mob that broke windows and launched stink bombs, despite police presence.
On the fourth day, “Maize Field” finally scored a point against “Navigator,” with a front-page headline stating: “Queen Barbara’s Massive Judicial Interference and Unclear Bribery Destinations.”
Wilhelmina read the news and shook her head, commenting, “If Annabel wants to establish an autocratic dynasty, the first thing she should do is shut down all newspapers and then kill all lawyers.”
“It gets worse,” Angela said, switching the reading channel to “Imperial Era.”
This pro-monarchy newspaper began to criticize Queen Barbara and the Figgerheim clan for bullying others, accumulating massive debts, and committing murder.
The Figheim family seems like a gang of criminals, and the queen appears to be held hostage. For Barbara, this is a significant sacrifice, but can it truly help Annabel escape? William Mina found it both laughable and absurd, questioning the source of their crisis management.
“Probably from the Imperial Public Affairs Academy. They’re full of fools who do unimaginable stupid things.” Angela commented on Stanford Earl’s video appearance, “His eyes look vicious. How did reporters previously call him handsome?”
“Now he’s known as the ‘Red Castle Butcher’.” William sneered, “As a serial killer, he’s famous throughout the universe. I feel sorry for those girls.”
“They still haven’t found Jenny.”
“No, but they’ve dug up twenty corpses. I can’t even imagine.”
“Poor girl.” Angela sighed, “Now the girls have learned their lesson. Handsome men struggle in bars while ugly men seem to be having a moment. By the way, Willy, the student council wants to hold a memorial service for the victims in the small hall.”
I’m a cultural affairs officer, and you’re my friend. They want me to ask you. Just ask. If it’s inconvenient for you, I’ll go back and say I didn’t have the courage to ask you…”
“It’s okay,” William Mina said. “If the memorial service can be held after the graduation exam, I can go. I don’t want to further wrong Annabel or risk expulsion from Rockston without a graduation certificate.”
“Okay, I’ll discuss it with them. Thank you, you’re the best.” Angela hugged William Mina.
By the sixth day, the investigation team had uncovered thirteen more remains near the lighthouse of Red Castle. One corpse, identified through genetic testing and dental records, was confirmed to be the famous Jenny.
Queen Annabel’s handling of the incident was ineffective. Constantly pushing responsibility onto her mother’s family did not help her image. Many perceived the queen as paying to cover up her mother’s actions. Her irresponsibility, lack of reflection, and autocratic behavior provoked public anger.
Heinrich Prince’s past scandal was again scrutinized, with newspapers showcasing his and Annabel’s photos for criticism. Family photos were often used, including those of Amilia’s twin sisters. The reputation of the imperial family plummeted.
The queen’s unauthorized use of substantial funds also displeased the Senate.
Those people aimed to strike a heavy blow to the young queen, hoping to diminish her spirit and enforce her obedience to the Senate. In response, the Democratic Party became more proactive in proposing constitutional amendment bills.
William Mina told Karns, “If we could achieve a three-way balance, it would be good. But Annabel won’t tolerate sitting equally with anyone. We might even face a civil war; I hear the military is already on full alert.”
“Being her ally isn’t an enviable position. She’ll eventually eliminate the other party,” Karns said.
“I bet five pounds, Karns, she’ll choose the Senate.”
“Why don’t you hope for your own future?” Karns replied. “If she chooses the Senate, you’ll be exiled for sure.”
