“My father knows; my mother doesn’t yet. He will tell her,” Albert replied.
“What do you think her reaction will be?”
“She hopes I’ll marry someone I love. But she likes you very much,” he said, laughing lightly.
Wilhelmina pursed her lips. “I haven’t told anyone yet, except Sir Wolf.”
Albert envisioned the strict middle-aged secretary. “I think he’ll support and bless us, but he probably looks down on me.”
Wilhelmina laughed, “Sir Wolf is a good person. I like you, so he will like you too.”
“You like me?” Albert’s voice softened.
Wilhelmina felt her face burning, her scalp tingling. She said nothing, and neither did he.
Albert took a deep breath and opened the window. The hot summer wind blew in, bringing a humid atmosphere.
“Please wait patiently for me a little longer, Wilhelmina,” Albert said. “I will come to Roxston to welcome you back to Odin.”
“I will wait,” Wilhelmina said, walking to the window and gazing at the starry night sky. “And I really hate having flies around me.”
“Rest assured, this matter can be resolved soon,” Albert laughed confidently. “Before long, the new guards will replace Kazman. The process might be a bit unpleasant, but I believe you can handle it. Consider the new guard team my engagement gift; I think you’ll like it.”
“Annabel will definitely want to tear me apart when she knows everything,” Wilhelmina laughed with vengeful pleasure.
“She will no longer be able to control anyone,” Albert said.
“Will you meet Schneider?”
“Unless something unexpected happens, we will meet with him directly.”
“I hope the victory of the volunteer army hasn’t clouded his judgment.”
“He is a pacifist, at least that’s what he says.”
And overthrowing the monarchical rule under the banner of democracy is not a good time right now. I don’t know what impact this move will have on his future.”
“He has won over scholars and intellectuals, Albert. Regardless of his success, they will rush to sing his praises. I really don’t understand why my mother, his top disciple, had a failed marriage with my father.”
“Perhaps that is the reason for their marriage failure,” Albert said, amused. “Don’t tell me you were the only good thing in that marriage.”
“I’m not that shameless,” Wilhelmina chuckled. “But I’ve always wondered why a proponent of democratic liberalism would marry a royal offspring. My father seemed to enjoy the royal honors brought by monarchical dictatorship.”
“The power of love, perhaps.”
“Now you’ve become a poet, Young Master Albert,” she teased.
“Reflections before going to war,” Albert replied, taking a deep breath.
“Your first campaign,” Wilhelmina said, slightly envious. “I hope you don’t throw up during space jumping.”
“Is this your blessing?” Albert laughed. “Then I hope you could raise your expectations for me just a little bit.”
“I’ll be waiting for your good news,” Wilhelmina said finally. “Take care.”
“Thank you. I will… Wilhelmina,” Albert promised.
After ending the call, Wilhelmina returned to bed.
She took out a powder box from the vanity case on her bedside table, connected it to the communicator, and copied the conversation recording from moments ago, erasing the original afterward.
Although she had not yet entered university, the knowledge gained in preparatory school was sufficient.
Wilhelmina kissed the powder box, put everything back in place, then lay back on the bed and turned off the sound wave shield.
She was now wide awake, excited, and wanting to communicate but found herself alone. Karns and Angela were not around, and Sir Wolf would not talk to her in pajamas at this late hour.
Though she was not rich in the entire galaxy, she was wealthy in the Roxston star domain. Yet, she couldn’t find anyone to talk to.
The night wind blew in from the open window, bringing the scent of night flowers. When she looked down, she discovered a night-blooming jasmine had blossomed downstairs.
Wilhelmina stood by the window for a long time, gazing at the brilliant starry sky. From Roxston Star, the silver-blue starlight belt appeared like a ribbon floating in the sky, surrounded by clustered stars resembling a vast ocean.
Chapter 42 In the early summer of the Galactic Imperial Year 7383, restlessness brewed along with the rising temperature.
As imperial troops headed toward rebellious areas and nobles were unsure, the people of Roxston Star celebrated their festival under their lord’s leadership.
Eaton Castle was beautifully decorated with flowers and ribbons. The valley in front of the castle featured numerous greenhouses and flower stalls, attracting flower enthusiasts from across the planet and beyond. They gathered not only to admire the flowers but also to catch a glimpse of the new female duchess.
This was Wilhelmina’s first public event since returning to her fief, and she moved the flower festival to her manor to celebrate with the people.
Wilhelmina, wearing a pearl white linen dress and a pearl necklace, had her long golden hair cascading over her shoulders beneath a wide-brimmed white hat. She stood gracefully, radiating a sweet smile. Speaking on stage with ease, her clear and elegant voice resonated, and though her movements were slightly awkward, they were endearing.
The Duchess of Roxston quickly won the love of her people with her pure appearance, elegant demeanor, and energetic speech, earning thunderous applause and cheers.
Taking the scissors handed to her by the organizer, Wilhelmina smiled and cut the ribbon. Hundreds of balloons flew into the sky, doves spread their wings and flew from their cages, and flower petals drifted down.
Wilhelmina walked down from the high platform into the crowd, almost immediately surrounded by enthusiastic people. Captain Kazman and his soldiers followed closely behind her, keeping the crowd at a distance. As she passed, gentlemen tipped their hats in respect, and ladies curtsied.
This was the first time Wilhelmina had received such a grand reception. In Odin, public events always centered around Annabel. She shook hands, hugged children, and accepted flowers and fruits with gratitude.
The ordinary people seemed largely unaffected by political turmoil, laughing carefree under the sunshine, admiring flowers, and enjoying tea snacks.
Wilhelmina was moved by this warm and harmonious atmosphere. For the first time in her eight years at the palace, she felt truly free. Standing in this lively scene, she was reminded of the Lark Manor in Monsland, with the intoxicating breeze, the fragrance of soil and flowers, the laughter of people, and the band playing cheerful rural dance music – cherished elements from her childhood memories.
Only after the competitions officially began did the common people disperse from the duchess’s side. Next came the local celebrities and notables. William Minna, having studied in advance, accurately called out the noble titles and names, surprising them.
Roxston had few nobles in the Odin court, resulting in a more relaxed upper-class atmosphere. Having seen many pretentious nobles in the court, William found these gentlemen quite pure and approachable.
“Are you accustomed to the climate here, Your Highness?” a gentleman asked.
“Yes, I’m very fortunate,” William smiled and nodded. “I haven’t felt discomfort. It’s truly beautiful here, even more than Odin.”
“We hope you’ll stay here often,” a lady said enthusiastically. “Our social activities are exciting. After the Flower Festival comes the Horse Racing Festival. I hear you also love horses?”
“Yes. When I was six, my father gave me a pony for my birthday. I brought my beloved horse from Odin to Roxston.”
The couple’s son, a young man with black hair, fawned, “I’m sure your equestrian skills are superb! You must look stunning on horseback!”
His mother glared at him, finding him too obsequious, and he lowered his head sheepishly.
