The scene lingered in the crowded hall before cutting off, returning to normal television programming. Cheerful advertisements and scenic tourism promos felt out of place.
As if mocking the recent television speech, the popular show “Empire’s Got Talent” aired as scheduled, retaining its unchanged logo and slogan: “Brave and Struggle, and You’ll Stand at the Empire’s Peak.”
Wilhelmina couldn’t help but laugh.
“It’s a show I quite enjoy,” Albert said half-seriously.
“Really?” Wilhelmina replied, surprised. “I always thought you were the type who only reads hefty books before bed.”
“Unfortunately,” Albert chuckled, “I’m a loyal supporter of fantasy master Jack Piersding. I collect all his works as bedtime reading and am even a member of his book club.”
Wilhelmina’s astonished expression was almost childlike, and her wide-eyed look was quite adorable. Albert leaned slightly toward her.
A sudden knock on the door interrupted them.
Cynthia entered and announced, “Your Highness, Colonel Hans Borg requests your presence.”
Wilhelmina nodded to Albert, stood up, and walked out, her light blue silk dress swaying and revealing her slender legs. She possessed a graceful figure and a composure beyond her years.
At the door, with her hand on the doorknob, she turned to Albert.
“I’m glad you’re here, Albert.”
Albert smiled slightly, the dim lamp light highlighting his refined face. Ignoring his military uniform, he looked like an elegant young nobleman.
A meeting room in Eton Castle had been set up as a temporary headquarters. Officers in military uniforms bustled in and out, all wearing the Selleberg family badge.
Cameras and spotlights were set up, aimed at the dark red curtain in the study. After the meeting with Schneider, Wilhelmina would begin her first television speech in front of this curtain.
Hans Borg, still in his Imperial regular army uniform, flipped through documents with his deputy. Wilhelmina stood patiently to the side, responding with a smile and a nod to the officers who passed by.
Hans Borg’s back was broader now; six years of border winds and harsh survival had tempered him. He exuded a more substantial aura of authority than before.
No longer the humble secretary or caretaker, Hans had experienced bloody battles and remained calm in tense situations. He was efficient, steady, and full of confidence.
What kind of future would such a person have?
Wilhelmina knew he would no longer be satisfied with the position of secretary.
As if sensing Wilhelmina’s gaze, Hans Borg turned around.
The young girl stood quietly by the door, the spotlight illuminating her eyes, making them look particularly cool and touching, like a cold star in the night sky.
Goodness! Hans Borg exclaimed inwardly. She had truly grown up.
“I heard you were looking for me?” Wilhelmina smiled and walked over.
“Yes, Your Highness,” Hans Borg collected himself and handed Wilhelmina the documents in his hand. “These are some key points we’ve organized for your meeting with Schneider.”
Wilhelmina flipped through them. The contents were detailed and practical, clearly requiring considerable effort to prepare.
“When did you prepare these? Surely not just now?”
Hans Borg smiled, “Sometimes, being prepared can be useful.”
“Thank you!” Wilhelmina found a chair in the corner and sat down, carefully reviewing the materials.
Hans Borg watched her for a while, then walked to the table, brewed a cup of coffee, and intended to bring it to her.
Someone else was now beside Wilhelmina. A young man in a major’s uniform leaned down, speaking to her. The girl looked up at him with a light smile.
“Owen,” Wilhelmina waved to Hans Borg, “Let me introduce you. Albert von Sellerberg.”
Or perhaps you already know each other.”
Hans Borg walked over and placed the saucer beside Wilhelmina.
“Cappuccino, two sugar cubes,” her favorite.
Wilhelmina laughed, “You still remember.”
“Yes, I remember,” Hans said, smiling at her before extending his hand to Albert.
“Owen Hans Borg. It’s our first meeting, Young Master Albert. Though we’ve known of each other for a long time.”
“I prefer my military rank,” Albert replied, shaking his hand. “Call me Sellerberg. It’s good to meet you, Colonel Hans Borg. Wilhelmina admires and respects you greatly. Based on your performance over these six years, I must say you are indeed worthy. Having you serve her is an honor for us.”
Hans Borg glanced at Wilhelmina, who looked proud and delighted by Albert’s praise, seemingly unaware of the undercurrents between them.
“You’re flattering me, sir. I’m just doing my job. All this is for Her Highness. I have no personal expectations. As long as she can be free and happy, any sacrifice is worthwhile.”
These words made Albert smile meaningfully.
“Now I understand why Willy trusts you so much.”
“I am fortunate,” Hans said, looking at Wilhelmina, “because I can offer her the most sincere loyalty.”
“This is my fortune, Owen,” Wilhelmina said seriously.
Hans Borg’s gaze was gentle as spring water after the snow melts.
Albert’s gaze swept between them, then lowered, his smile deepening. He said, “Well, I won’t disturb your preparation, Wilhelmina. I’ll be nearby if you need anything.”
“Thank you,” Wilhelmina replied, extending her hand. Albert gently held and kissed it.
As Albert turned to leave, Wilhelmina turned to Hans Borg and sighed, both laughing and exasperated.
“Seriously?” she asked, clearly aware of the previous awkwardness.
Hans Borg laughed easily and pulled up a chair next to her. “It’s nothing. I just need to confirm those people are qualified to appear by your side.”
“He’s a Sellerberg, Owen,” Wilhelmina said helplessly. “If he doesn’t qualify, then who would? Besides you, of course.”
“Thank you, my lady,” Hans Borg replied. “But that surname means nothing. He could use or betray you.”
“This entire matter is an adventure,” Wilhelmina said. “Now I’m at a point of no return. For him, I must believe.”
“Why him?” Hans Borg asked.
“Because he’s a Sellerberg. The one Annabelle couldn’t persuade after years of trying. Their olive branch was too tempting to refuse. I don’t want to live suppressed or be married off to a stranger, with my descendants continuing my constrained life.”
Since the empire’s transformation is inevitable, and we’ve all been drawn into the wheel of history, why shouldn’t I push it along?
“Didn’t you even consider that he might betray you?”
“Of course I considered it. I’m not naive,” Wilhelmina Willen replied. “Risks and rewards are always proportional. Owen, I know you’re worried about me, but I’ve decided to take a chance. I trust Albert, and I hope you can too.”
Hans Borg was silent for a moment, then sighed.
“I know I’m telling you this too late. You won’t think I’m being neurotic?”
“Of course not!” Wilhelmina laughed, taking his hand. “Owen, you’ve always been so good to me. Many times, without you, I wouldn’t know what to do.”
Hans Borg knew this was a comforting remark. During the six years he was gone, she had matured significantly. She was clear-headed and knew what she wanted and how to get it. His departure had accelerated her independence, making her stronger.
The delicate hand he held was different from her small hand in his memories.
“Willy, my Willy,” Hans Borg whispered. “You’ll always be my precious girl.”
“Even if I become a wrinkled old lady?”
“Even if you’re decrepit, can’t see, can’t hear,” he replied, his gentle words providing comfort on this tense night.
He softly said, “Even then, I’ll write in your palm how much I love you.”
Wilhelmina held his hands, their fingers intertwined.
From a distance, Albert thought Wilhelmina was about to cry. But she laughed, her head down, looking serene and elegant.
