“You are truly my knight,” William Minna’s playful voice echoed through the microphone, triggering thunderous applause.
“Daniel Fairfax,” she called, bending down to hang the medal around his neck. “Congratulations, sir. You have won the annual equestrian competition.”
The young knight held the duchess’s hand and kissed it lightly.
The media frantically recorded this moment for tomorrow’s headlines.
The band played a triumphant song as William Minna smiled, overlooking the surging crowd. Cold raindrops fell on her face, and the wind grew stronger.
Thousands of miles away, over two hundred warships bearing the Selleberg family crest landed at the Rockston military aviation port with the duchess’s permission. Torrential rain poured down, washing the smooth surface of the warships.
Albert von Selleberg descended the cabin stairs without an umbrella, rain hitting his military cap and shoulders. He straightened his cap and strode forward.
Night had fallen over the imperial capital, with dim street lamps and desolate neon signs. Although full city martial law had not been declared, residents sensed something was amiss. Patrol cars had increased on the streets, and hover vehicles from high-ranking officials’ residences headed toward the imperial palace.
People returned home, closed their doors and windows, and turned on their ultra-light televisions. Today’s news had been suspended; all channels interrupted to repeatedly play the national anthem, with subtitles indicating that at 8:00 PM sharp, Her Majesty would deliver a television address.
“This is not good,” Mr.
Lucas said to his wife, “The last time this happened was during the air shuttle poison gas incident in the time of Emperor Alexander.”
Mrs. Lucas replied, “I told you long ago that living in the capital is not safe. The Earth Cult has an unusual obsession with this place.”
“Dad!” Their daughter Kelly rushed into the kitchen, “There are several officers outside who want to see you!”
The Lucas couple exchanged a surprised glance. The visitors were officers from the Intelligence Department, which made them uneasy. As a computer engineer, Mr. Lucas was familiar with such personnel and did not want them in his home.
“Good evening, sir and madam,” the middle-aged officer leading the group shook hands with Mr. Lucas, “Sorry to interrupt your dinner. We just want to ask you something. Do you know where the Garcia family has gone?”
The Lucas family looked at each other, confused.
“I saw Mrs. Garcia returning from the supermarket yesterday. Aren’t they at home?” Mr. Lucas asked.
“Unfortunately, no,” the officer replied, “The entire family is gone, even their dog.”
“How strange,” Mrs. Lucas said to her daughter, “Kelly, has Angela contacted you today?”
“No,” Kelly rolled her eyes, “Why would I contact the girl who stole my boyfriend?”
“Don’t talk nonsense,” Mrs. Lucas awkwardly reprimanded her daughter.
“Maybe they’re on vacation,” Mr. Lucas said. “I remember they have a vacation cabin in the Floyding mountain area where they usually go fishing every summer. But leaving without saying goodbye is sad, isn’t it, Lisa?”
“Of course!” Mrs. Lucas echoed, “We had no idea they left. But we didn’t see them today. You can’t watch your neighbors all the time.”
“Have you noticed any suspicious strangers in the community or around the Garcia house recently?” the officer asked.
The Lucas couple exchanged a glance.
Kelly interrupted, “The Garcia family is weird enough. I mean, Mr. Garcia is nice, but Angela Garcia is a real freak. She looks down on everyone because she’s friends with the Duchess of Rockston…”
“Shut up, Kelly,” Mr. Lucas shouted. “Go to your room!”
The girl stormed off angrily. The Lucas couple smiled apologetically at the officer.
“Thank you,” the officer said, adjusting his hat. “Please notify us if you have any information about the Garcia family’s whereabouts.”
“Of course!” Mr. Lucas replied.
After seeing off the officer, Mr. Lucas locked all the doors, closed the windows, and activated the home security system.
“Good heavens, it’s not even 8 PM!” Mrs. Lucas exclaimed. “What are you doing?”
“Something’s wrong, dear, very wrong,” Mr. Lucas said nervously. “The Intelligence Department colonel wouldn’t visit without reason, Lisa. The Garcia family has disappeared—don’t you understand?”
Mrs. Lucas covered her mouth in horror. “I don’t understand.”
“Angela Garcia has always been close to the Duchess of Rockston. Didn’t the two princesses suddenly return to their territory? I sense something has happened in the court. The Garcia family wouldn’t just disappear like this.”
The television suddenly came to life, showing the familiar Rosebud Palace press hall filled with reporters and guards.
“No way…” Mr. Lucas murmured.
Queen Annabel I appeared in public, wearing a navy blue suit—the simplest outfit since her coronation. She looked solemn and anxious, standing at the podium with her hands clasped.
“Dear people, friends. Today I stand here to convey a regrettable message. Our respected Imperial Marshal, Marshal Selberg, has left our ranks and joined the rebels…”
Albert Selberg stood by the floor-to-ceiling window in his study, overlooking the courtyard’s night scene.
Heavy rain poured outside, with the courtyard lights emitting a faint glow through the rain curtain. The sound of the rain was isolated by the window, only a faint rustling coming through. Behind him, the ultra-light TV was broadcasting Annabel’s speech.
“…This is a stupid betrayal, a letdown to the Empire and its people…” Annabel was passionate and slightly over-excited.
Albert thought that she still hadn’t learned to control her emotions. In the past, before Alexander’s death, she used to suppress her temper. Back then, someone restrained her. But since donning the crown, she had become like an unbridled wild horse.
The door behind her opened, and someone walked in with light footsteps. A cup of coffee was placed on the desk.
Wilhelmina walked to Albert’s side, looking at the rainy night courtyard as they listened to Annabel’s speech.
“If this is supposed to be a manifesto, it’s a bit too verbose,” Wilhelmina chuckled softly.
Albert laughed, “Not being concise has always been her flaw. From her essays in school to her television speeches now.”
“Have you spoken to her?”
“She called to interrogate me,” Albert replied, “But I think it’s better not to answer her calls for now.”
“She must be furious.”
Albert let out a light laugh.
Wilhelmina tilted her head, gazing at his handsome profile, and asked, “How is the situation in the capital?”
“Very smooth,” Albert said. “My parents have been evacuated, and your friend Miss Garcia and her family left with them.”
“Thank you,” Wilhelmina replied. “I rely on you to protect my friends, which makes me feel quite helpless.”
“There’s no need to be so formal,” Albert said. “You said we are partners.”
Wilhelmina smiled.
“How is it outside?” he asked.
“It’s fine. Owen and Sir Wolf are arranging things and determining the time for the press conference. I need to write my speech. Schneider’s ship is expected to land in ten minutes, and I will meet him at Eton. I hope you can attend in place of your father.”
“I’d be delighted. Perhaps I can help you review the speech.”
“That would be perfect,” Wilhelmina said. “This is my first television speech, and I don’t want to make too many promises to the public in a moment of excitement. I am to be a ruler, after all.”
Annabel’s speech had ended. Surrounded by court attendants and guards, she left the press conference hall. Reporters symbolically tried to retain her but were more focused on their own concerns about the future.
