“My child,” Emperor Alexander’s anger softened upon seeing his granddaughter, “Come let me look at you. Those people didn’t harm you, did they?”
“I’m fine, Grandfather,” Wilhelmina said obediently.
“I heard the Sellerberg young master saved you,” the Emperor said with satisfaction. “Did you thank him?”
“Yes, Grandfather.”
“Good girl. I hope you can become friends,” the Emperor stroked her smooth blonde hair, “The Sellerberg family is important to the empire.”
The Emperor and Wilhelmina had dinner together. He sat with her at a small table, pouring her juice and cutting her steak. Wilhelmina was surprised and delighted, cautiously accepting her grandfather’s sudden tenderness.
“My darling, your mother’s memorial day is coming soon, isn’t it?” the Emperor asked casually.
Wilhelmina lowered her head. Every September 17th was the memorial day of her mother, Rebecca Lehmann. Though divorced, the royal family still referred to her as Princess Rebecca. Each year, supporters commemorated this unconventional princess.
Wilhelmina would not be able to visit her mother’s grave in Monslanka this year.
“If you’d like, we can hold a small memorial service at the Hall of Heroes,” the Emperor said, seemingly forgetting his once-strained relationship with Rebecca. “Just a few family and friends. I’ll invite some of your mother’s friends to meet you. Honey, you’re about to start school; you should get to know more people.”
“Yes, Grandfather. Thank you,” Wilhelmina said gratefully.
Emperor Alexander nodded, his gaze deepening. “Do you know what friends your mother had?”
The child tilted her head in confusion. “She had her best friend, Aunt Tracey. She always sends me cards and gifts on my birthday and New Year. She’s so nice!”
“Tracey Eisenlis. Professor of Ancient Earth Language at the Central Language Institute,” the Emperor nodded. “Yes, she was your mother’s college classmate. Who else?”
Wilhelmina shook her head, “Sorry, Grandfather, I can’t remember.”
The passage discusses Wilhelmina’s views on the political situation regarding the Crown Prince. The people expressed dissatisfaction with the meeting’s outcome, believing the Crown Prince’s punishment was too lenient, protected by the “Royal Immunity” clause in the constitution.
“That is indeed very unfair,” Wilhelmina said seriously.
Hans Borg smiled, “It’s good that you think so.”
