Upon returning to school from the holiday, Wilhelmina received an unexpected gift: a limited edition Salina Barbie doll, a box of custom “Charlie’s Chocolate Factory” star chocolates, and a card with elegant handwriting: “Hope these gifts can convey my sincere apology for my previous rudeness.”
Wilhelmina looked at the card repeatedly, her brow furrowed.
Angela returned after class and saw the Barbie doll, exclaiming, “Oh my, isn’t this the Salina I’ve always wanted? My dad promised to buy it only if I get straight A’s this semester.”
“You like it?” Wilhelmina handed over the doll. “Then it’s yours.”
“Willy?” Angela was both surprised and puzzled. “Who sent this to you? Oh, don’t tell me you have a mysterious admirer!”
“Stop talking nonsense,” Wilhelmina pursed her lips and opened the chocolate box, grabbing a handful. “Just someone trying to curry favor.”
“But you’ve never accepted gifts from those at school trying to curry favor.”
“This person is quite influential,” Wilhelmina shrugged. “Besides, I like these chocolates.”
At the end of the semester, Annabel graduated from the intermediate department of the Odin Imperial Academy and entered the advanced department of the Tir Military School, majoring in communications.
On Annabel’s sixteenth birthday, the Empire issued a set of paper stamps and tourism commemorative coins featuring her. Her portrait rights were conditionally lifted, leading to her portraits and dolls being sold in the market.
Annabel began accompanying the Emperor to public events: horse racing, art museum receptions, charity fund-raising, and visits to military retirement homes.
The young heir apparent was full of spirit and had a brilliant smile. The media called her the Empire’s sweetheart, praising her appearance and intellect.
The campus without Annabel remained unchanged. Wilhelmina led a monotonous student life, slightly nearsighted and always hugging books, looking like a complete bookworm.
When she saw a gossip newspaper with her own photo—disheveled hair, big glasses, and toast hanging from her mouth—buried in a book while walking, Wilhelmina burst out laughing.
“I look just like Judy from ‘Judy Moore’s Adventures’, don’t you think, Owen?”
“I think you look much better than the actress,” Hans Borg said, folding the newspaper. “I will investigate this matter. Please have your breakfast first.”
