“Don’t be so serious,” Wilhelmina replied. “This newspaper once published a photo of Georgiana picking her ears. Compared to her, my photo is quite good. I wonder if Grandpa has seen it. He would find it amusing.”
“Then please have your breakfast and go greet His Majesty.”
Emperor Alexander caught a cold in early spring, eventually developing pneumonia. It wasn’t until early summer that his condition slightly improved, yet he continued to handle state affairs during his illness.
While this demonstrated the Emperor’s dedication, it exposed the Empire’s crisis from another perspective.
Annabel began assisting in state affairs during the Emperor’s serious illness. With the help of ministers and her caution, these matters were handled well, earning her praise from the Emperor. However, she was still young and inexperienced.
The Emperor had to consider if Annabel could support the Empire in his absence. The answer was negative, prompting him to discuss constitutional amendments with the Senate elders.
“Grandfather doesn’t trust Annabel,” Karens told Wilhelmina. “He thinks she lacks the ability and wants to promote a constitutional monarchy during his lifetime to allow others to manage the Empire for her.”
“But Annabel performed well during Grandpa’s illness,” Wilhelmina countered.
“Please, Willy. Hugging orphans at a charity hospital is something anyone can do,” Karens said. “Mom mentioned that Grandfather’s support for a constitutional monarchy is stronger than ever.”
“Annabel won’t be happy about this,” Wilhelmina said, raising an eyebrow.
“I see her acting obediently like a little dog now,” Karens added, “but she always puts on an act. Those ministers think she’s a well-behaved doll.”
“But she must listen to Grandpa. Uncle lost his crown for defying Grandpa.”
“She’s obedient now, but what about the future?” Karens disagreed.
Could the elderly Emperor not see what even a child could? The aged Emperor was wise and understood his descendants well, which is why he put constitutional monarchy back on the agenda.
