Strangely, Young Master Albert, as the marshal’s son, appeared more like a literature student—refined, elegant, and scholarly, always wearing a warm smile, lacking the boldness of his ancestors.
However, Wilhelmina did not dwell on him for long. Upon returning to the Rose Palace, she was summoned by the Emperor to the Palace of No Worries. Brück informed those waiting for an audience that the Emperor was furious, a sentiment evident from his angry roars penetrating the thick doors.
The Crown Prince and his wife were inside, while Annabelle sat grimly in the waiting room with her two sisters.
Amelia’s eyes were red from crying, while Georgiana directed her anger toward the newly arrived Wilhelmina.
“I heard you were attacked by a mob. The communication sounded dramatic, but I see you weren’t harmed.”
Wilhelmina, feeling unhappy, replied quietly, “Someone came to rescue me.”
“How touching!” Georgiana snorted. “Who? The Royal Guard had already arrived.”
“Sellerberg,” Wilhelmina said. “A young master.”
Georgiana’s eyes turned fierce. “Albert?”
Annabelle looked surprised as well. Wilhelmina wisely chose to remain silent.
Georgiana warned, “Don’t set your sights on him! He belongs to Annabelle! They’re going to get married!”
Wilhelmina retorted, “This has nothing to do with me.”
“I’m teaching you to know your place,” Georgiana said. “Don’t dream about things that aren’t yours.”
“Enough, Georgiana!” Annabelle said. “Can’t you read the room?”
“What difference does it make?” Georgiana replied dismissively. “This is beyond what we can manage. Dad is so stupid!”
Amelia suddenly burst into tears. “Are they going to get divorced?”
Annabelle rolled her eyes. “No crying! They are the Crown Prince and Princess. ‘Divorce’ doesn’t exist in their world. Georgiana, don’t talk about boys right now.”
Before you embarrass us, shut up!”
The sisters looked at each other and surrendered to their older sister’s dominance, falling silent.
With the final roar, the Crown Prince and his wife walked out with pale faces. Shame turned the Crown Prince’s face purple; perhaps the Emperor had even slapped him. The children walked to their mother’s side. The Crown Princess hugged her daughters, not looking at her husband, and left proudly.
“His Majesty summons you,” Brück said to Wilhelmina.
Wilhelmina followed him inside, catching a glimpse of her great-uncle’s dejected figure.
