Chaos ensued as people scattered, hover cars and spaceships fleeing from riot vehicles. The royal car remained battered yet closed.
Several silver-gray private cars descended beside the royal car. After a safety confirmation signal, the deputy opened the door, followed by the driver and guards.
Hans Borg put away his gun and, holding Wilhelmina, stepped out of the car.
“I hope you are all well,” a crisp voice said.
Wilhelmina peeked out from Borg’s arms and saw a young man nearby.
The brown-haired youth wore a military school uniform, standing tall and straight, with a handsome face and a gentle smile, resembling a neighborhood older brother. However, this brother was holding a pitch-black long gun.
Albert von Sellerberg handed the fully automatic assault rifle back to his subordinate, then turned and saluted the blonde little girl cradled in Hans Borg’s arms.
“My apologies for the fright, Your Highness. Fortunately, you were not harmed.”
Hans Borg noticed the badge on the youth’s shoulder and was momentarily stunned before setting Wilhelmina down.
“Thank you…” The little girl displayed composure after a brief moment of panic.
“Sellerberg.”
“Mr. Sellerberg,” the girl said formally, “Are you from the Royal Guard?”
“No, Your Highness,” Albert knelt slightly, looking up at the young duchess, “This is just my private guard.”
The girl looked at him with surprise. “Is that so? Then, thank you. You saved us.”
“As a member of the Sellerberg family, this is what I should do.”
Albert gently grasped the little duchess’s hand and lightly kissed it.
Wilhelmina could no longer contain her curiosity. “Are you a soldier?”
“No, Your Highness. I study at the Tir Imperial Military Academy.”
“No wonder you have a gun.”
Albert offered a smile as warm as spring, “Once you understand the Sellerberg family better, you’ll find this is only natural.”
Hans Borg, observing the dispersed protesters, bent down and said, “Your Highness, let’s return to the palace quickly.”
“Please take my car,” Albert replied. “I will escort Your Highness and Sir back to the palace.”
Hans Borg nodded, taking Wilhelmina into a silver-gray car adorned with the Sellerberg family emblem—a wheat sheaf surrounding a sharp spear. This military family had always guarded the empire with their capabilities and loyalty, renowned as Imperial Grand Marshals and guardians of imperial lands.
