The two children were not particularly interested in Annabel or the Empire’s future. They had graduated from the Odin Academy’s junior department. Wilhelmina excelled, receiving honorary member and outstanding cooperative association officer medals. The Emperor rewarded her with a young mare named Nancy, raised at the Rose Palace’s horse farm. Wilhelmina rode her weekly after school, guided by Hans Borg. On good weather days, they rode along the pasture slopes, galloping to the New Loire Valley.
They passed through the forest, enjoying the castles and estates hidden among the trees. The valley was lush with greenery and wildflowers at the start of summer. Horse hooves startled small birds, and occasionally a wild rabbit dashed through the grass.
Royal children have always been precocious, especially those caught in the whirlpool of power.
Wilhelmina was no longer the naive and clever girl from two years ago; her intelligence had evolved into shrewdness, and her innocence had settled into steadiness. She was better at concealing herself and adept at planning for the future.
As a child without parents, her aging grandfather could not provide her with more care, and her loyal secretary had no right to guide her. She had to mature quickly and choose the right path amid her family’s neglect.
A twelve-year-old may not fully understand the future, but Wilhelmina always remembered her grandfather, Mr. Lehmann’s advice: no matter how wealthy life is, do not become idle. Life becomes fulfilling by having goals, and only with a fulfilling life can one avoid the tragedy of decadence.
While she did not know what industry she would pursue, she believed that choosing based on her interests would be beneficial. For this reason, she chose the military academy.
Chapter 19
Shortly after her twelfth birthday, Wilhelmina packed her bags and left Little Buckingham Palace, heading to the Tyr Imperial Military Academy on the Mosgran planet in the Odin satellite.
She would enter the intermediate section of the military academy, and after three years, if she passed the exam, she could choose her specialty.
If she passed the test in her second year of the senior section, she could enter the university preparatory class in her third year.
Karns and Angela accompanied her through the gates of the Tyr Imperial Military Academy.
