Her gesture was charming and coquettish, and Albert found himself at a loss. Despite being the young master of the Selleberg family and familiar with women, no one had moved his heartbeat as easily as William Minna.
Suddenly recalling Schneider’s words about winning someone’s heart by exchanging hearts, Albert remained silent.
“It seems you’re hiding many secrets,” William Minna said, her smile fading. Disappointed, she put down her knife and fork and wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Colonel Hans Borg is probably back at the flagship. I’ll go wait for him in the restroom.”
Watching her departing back, Albert suddenly came to his senses. He hastily put down his cutlery and stood up.
“William Minna!”
William Minna turned with an indifferent gaze.
Albert took a deep breath, “You are the smartest and most cherished girl I know. No one would dare to deceive you.”
“You’re deceiving me right now,” she replied with a smile. Although she knew she shouldn’t trust a man’s sweet talk, at not yet eighteen, she instinctively enjoyed the attention.
“I’m deceiving you?”
“You said no one would dare to deceive me,” she sneered. “Come on, Albert, we both know that’s impossible.”
Albert laughed, embarrassed by his own words.
“However,” William Minna raised her tone, “thank you.”
She lightened her steps to the restroom. Opening the door, she saw Owen standing by the window, gazing at the stars.
“Owen!” she exclaimed, joyfully. “You’re back? Why didn’t you notify me?”
“You were dining with Lord Selleberg, so I thought it best not to disturb you.” He gazed tenderly at her. “How was it? Were you okay at Rockston?”
William Minna shrugged, “Drafting charters and such, boring. But Schneider is a good conversationalist, and I learned a lot from him.”
Hans Borg pulled William Minna’s hand and sat on the sofa.
William Minna happily held Hans Borg’s hand, her soft and cold fingers intertwined with his, prompting him to grasp it tightly to warm her.
“What did he teach you?” she asked.
“The way of a monarch,” he replied, looking up at the sky. “No one taught me how to be a king. I can’t say I’m self-taught, but what I know is far from enough. He recommended many beneficial books to me and even shared details about my mother. I know he did this for emotional resonance, but I’m still grateful.”
“So, you like him?” Hans Borg inquired.
“For now,” William Minna gazed at the starry sea outside the window. “The Democratic Party’s election chances are high. He could be my first prime minister.”
“Widely expected,” Hans Borg said softly.
Years of acquaintance allowed William Minna to capture his subtle tone shifts. She glanced at him curiously.
“Do you have something to tell me?”
Hans Borg smiled bitterly, “Willy, my clever girl, what can I hide from you? I want to be a ruler; I need sharp eyes and sensitive ears.”
After a moment of silence, he whispered, “Wili, Schneider invited me to join the Democratic Party.”
Wilhelmina blinked. “When did this happen?”
“Before going to war.”
“…What was your response?”
Hansberg gripped Wilhelmina’s hand without answering.
Wilhelmina understood and smiled faintly. “You’ve already agreed to him, haven’t you?”
Hansberg sighed softly, meeting her gaze. “I’m sorry, Wili. But being a soldier for life is not my aspiration. You already have the Selleberg family and military power. I can be your backing in parliament.”
Wilhelmina stared silently at Hansberg, then suddenly pulled her hand away. His heart went cold, but just as he was about to speak, Wilhelmina leaned into his embrace. Trembling, Hansberg hugged her back.
“You don’t need to apologize to me, Owen,” she whispered. “I don’t want you to join the military either—though you look incredibly handsome in a military uniform.” They both laughed softly.
“But, Owen, you have your own life and shouldn’t always revolve around me. You’ve already wasted six years in that harsh and dangerous place for me. Now, it’s time to plan for yourself.”
“You are my direction, Wili. My life has long been inseparably intertwined with yours.”
“I’m not finished,” Wilhelmina said, placing her hand on his lips, momentarily stopping his breath. “If this is your decision, then I support you. You are talented and ambitious; you should never have stood behind me. Since Schneider dares to poach me, he will also promote you.”
This is your political path, Owen. I believe it will be as beautiful as flowers.”
Hansberg’s fingers trembled slightly, caressing Wilhelmina’s cheek, his gaze filled with indescribable tenderness. For a moment, Wilhelmina thought he might kiss her, but then his hand fell on her shoulder, embracing her once more.
“You are incomparable, Wili.”
Wilhelmina smiled bitterly. Today seemed to be filled with praise for her perfection, as if she possessed all the love in the world. But the truth was, none of them were honest with her.
“Right… I really look forward to standing side by side with you one day, Owen. Truly…”
Chapter 53 The fleet entered Odin’s airspace on the morning of August 10th. As estimated, they did not face strong resistance. The Imperial Army and Selleberg Army quickly took control of Odin, leaving only the Rose Palace Guard under Annabel’s command.
Wilhelmina walked down the warship in solemn silence. The Grand Elder of the Elder Council and high-ranking officials awaited her below, making her feel emotional.
In a daze, she felt as if she were back eight years ago, when she first set foot on Odin as an ordinary noble girl, greeted only by a low-ranking official from the Palace Interior Department and Hansberg. That nervous girl never imagined she would have a day like this.
Surrounded by politicians and military leaders, she walked down the spacecraft, receiving respectful greetings from senior officials.
This was the beauty of power.
“Where would you like to go first, Your Grace?” the Grand Elder asked. “The Elder Council and the assembly are ready.”
“Rose Palace,” Wilhelmina smiled. “I apologize for making those gentlemen wait. I have something more important to handle there.”
“Of course,” the Grand Elder observed her closely for the first time. He had always known she was clever but didn’t realize her talent.
On the way to the Rose Palace, the military escorted them. The political changes seemed to have little impact on daily life; people continued their routines. Office workers filled the air buses, school buses were full of children, and the elderly walked their dogs.
When the amusement park came into view, Wilhelmina suddenly laughed.
“What’s wrong?” Albert asked.
“Owen once told me I could come and play here when I first arrived in Odin,” she replied, chuckling. “Of course, I never made it. Royal children are not allowed in such places for safety reasons.”
Albert placed his warm hand over hers. “When we have time in the future, let’s go together.”
“Sir Wolf would definitely go crazy,” Wilhelmina chuckled.
When they arrived at the Rose Palace, the Guard had been replaced by the Imperial regular army. The convoy smoothly entered the palace and stopped at the steps.
Court Chamberlain Brück stood on the steps, calm and composed, as if receiving an honored guest.
“Welcome back, Duke Roxton,” Brück bowed to Wilhelmina. “Her Majesty is waiting for you in the Hall of Heroes.”
“Thank you, sir,” Wilhelmina smiled. “Please lead the way.”
The white pearl hall of the Pantheon opened. This hall, used for grand ceremonies, was clean, bright, and exquisite. Kings were crowned here and queens married. Annabel was crowned queen here.
Now, at the end of her reign, she chose to conclude it in this place.
The visitor’s footsteps on the smooth granite floor echoed in the spacious hall, growing louder.
