“Yes, sir.” The deputy nodded seriously. “I will always follow you; you saved my life.”
“Alright, Floti.” Hans Borg laughed, interrupting him. “You’ve been with me for almost five years, right?”
“Five years and two months, sir.”
“Yes.” Hans Borg nodded. “Time passes quickly.”
“You rescued me from the drug dealers’ den, sir.”
The deputy looked at the young colonel with reverent eyes, “You saved our entire village…”
“I know,” Hans Borg smiled. “I know, Floti. I also know who sent you to me.”
Floti paused for a moment, setting down his coffee cup and placing his hands on his knees. His timid expression faded, replaced by steady composure.
“You surprise me, sir,” he said with a slightly arrogant tone, uncommon for his usual humility. “When did you discover?”
“I had suspicions from the beginning. Sometimes you speak with a slight capital accent, subtle but noticeable with careful attention.”
“That was my oversight,” Floti admitted. “But your keen perception is impressive.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Hans Borg said.
“It is certainly a compliment to you, sir. I am your friend, not your enemy.”
Hans Borg took a sip of his coffee. “So, what about the person behind you?”
“The Marshal is naturally your friend too,” Floti replied. “He sent me to your side and has been watching you for a long time.”
“What an honor,” Hans Borg raised an eyebrow. “Is he finally going to act?”
Floti replied, “The Queen has already sent police to search for Schneider. War is imminent. The Marshal is still loyal to the Queen for now. But when the war breaks out, the Marshal will make his choice.”
“Time is running out.”
“He will first advocate for negotiations. The Queen has quite a temper.”
“The Senate’s demand for her to disclose her finances is enough to keep her busy.”
Hansberg laughed, “What benefits did you promise the Senate?”
“Property protection,” Flotti said. “As long as their own interests are safeguarded, the nobles won’t care about the Queen’s fate.”
“Cruel,” Hansberg said softly. “And quite sad, isn’t it?”
“This is politics, sir,” Flotti said. “If Annabel can’t play this hand, someone else will.”
Hansberg looked sharply at him. “And that would be…”
Flotti turned to the photo frame of young Wilhelmina and Hansberg. The secretary gently held the little girl on his knee, both laughing.
Hansberg’s expression turned serious. “If you think you can control the Emperor through her, you’re mistaken.”
“The Marshal admires her,” Flotti said. “Princess Catherine and Princess Marianna only support a dual constitutional monarchy.”
“You’re asking for a parliamentary constitutional monarchy?” Hansberg furrowed his brow. “Isn’t that overly ambitious?”
“The Marshal believes that thorough transformation is necessary.”
“Why are you so sure that Duchess Roxston will agree?”
“She has already agreed,” Flotti laughed. “She promised personally to Young Master Albert.”
Hansberg fell silent. He had been separated from Wilhelmina for too long, and they could only have a video call during New Year. He didn’t know how Wilhelmina had matured over the years or what her true ambitions were.
“I know you’re loyal to her, Major Hansberg,” Flotti said. “But you also have ambitions. Staying in this place, fighting for survival, isn’t your ideal. You’re a man with talent—a born politician. To change your situation, you need to cooperate with us.”
Hansberg drank his coffee.
“What does the Marshal want?”
“It’s simple,” Flotti said. “With you on board, our progress will be smoother, and the Duchess will trust us more. We want you to join the Selberg family’s military, where your talents can shine. One day, you could represent the masses.”
Hansberg chuckled, “I’m not sure I’m suited for that. Shouldn’t the honor go to your Marshal?”
“No!” Flotti shook his head. “The Marshal dislikes parliament.”
“He’s a military man, sir, and he prefers solving problems with guns rather than arguments.”
“That means giving up a considerable part of the battle results.”
“You don’t need to worry about that, Colonel. There’s also Young Master Albert. What a talented young man.”
“Yes,” Hansberg said with a slight sarcastic smile, “I’m sure he’s perfect for sitting at the round table wearing a wig.”
Flotti changed the subject, “So, sir, what is your decision? Please don’t tell me you still need time. That’s precisely what we lack most.”
Hansberg leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs with fingers interlaced, thumbs gently touching. He noticed the dust in the room and his own rough hands. Once well-maintained, they had held a little girl’s delicate hand, combed her hair, and put on her shoes.
He knew he wouldn’t be a secretary forever. He thought that once Wilhelmina came of age, he would transfer to the military department and make his mark. Similarly, he wouldn’t stay in this desolate place forever. The name Hansberg was destined for the Hall of Heroes.
Now that Wilhelmina had decided to take a bold step, what reason did he have not to follow her? His girl would be eighteen in just over a month.
Time could change many things, but it couldn’t change the fate that had bound them together from the beginning.
When that little girl stopped in front of Emperor Alexander, turned back, and called his name, his lifelong following began.
The flagship Vanasi, after a week of flight, landed at the royal airport of the capital planet in the Roxston star domain.
At that time, the situation in the Empire was still in a stalemate. Schneider was still wanted, and the Queen’s suppression of the Democratic Party had triggered numerous small-scale riots across the country.
Wilhelmina had watched the news on the ship. She was under strict surveillance, which the Imperial side called protection. The Palace Province had assigned two hundred and eight bodyguards from the Intelligence Bureau and the military to protect Duchess Roxston. These guards were capable and loyal, closely monitoring Wilhelmina.
Her primary restriction was communication; she had almost lost contact with the outside world, with all information needing to be reviewed by guards before being relayed to her. Her close attendants were also under surveillance, and all meals had to be inspected before being served.
Wilhelmina summoned her greatest patience and tolerance to accept all this.
Her life had not been free since she was ten, and the current situation was only worse—nothing new. She began to look forward to the outbreak of war, which would mean the Queen would reveal her true self, and Albert Selleberg would fulfill his promise to her. She was betting everything; if unsuccessful, she would be confined for life. But if successful…
Due to the tense situation, William Minna’s arrival did not receive a roadside welcome. However, she was greeted by administrative officials and celebrities at the spaceport, with the entire ceremony broadcast live.
The young blonde girl holding flowers and smiling gracefully excited the Rockston people, who had not seen a royal visit since Prince Adams’ death. Unlike the Queen, she seemed approachable and warm, yet stable. She cooperated with the media naturally. The media even took several close-ups of her beloved cat, Lucy.
From this moment, William Minna started to change her habit of never speaking in public. When a reporter asked if she had anything to say, despite guards urging her to remain silent, she made a brief statement: “Thank you very much for this warm welcome, ladies and gentlemen.”
You have made me feel the simplicity, friendliness, and hospitality of the Rockston people, which are the most precious qualities. I feel I am already falling in love with this place. The banner reads ‘Welcome Home’. How thoughtful, thank you! Now, I am home!”
