He had been informed that he would be overseeing the Duchess of Roxston. His superiors and colleagues advised him to be lenient with her, as female students in military school typically pursued logistics and medical roles, making strict training unnecessary.
The fifteen laps were merely a test; if Wilhelmina had run none, he wouldn’t have commented. Surprisingly, she completed twelve laps.
Military training aimed to help children adapt to strict military school life, but the items were not complicated. In addition to daily training, they learned to use common weapons and visited weapon and fleet factories. The flagship Brunhilde, which contributed significantly during the First Galactic War, had been converted into a military museum. Visiting Brunhilde was the highlight for the children.
While other students rushed towards the entrance, Wilhelmina stood still, gazing up at the moonlight-white flagship, marveling at its enormity and beauty. The spaceship resembled a resting goddess—serene, sacred, noble, and solemn. Wilhelmina was captivated, excitement making her sweat and causing her neck hairs to stand on end. She took a deep breath, completely intoxicated.
“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” Wilhelmina whispered.
“I prefer intelligent robots,” Cairns said, arms crossed.
The girl was absorbed in her own emotions, experiencing excitement where every cell in her body felt alive. Later, Wilhelmina thought this was probably the feeling of finding one’s belonging.
After military training, Wilhelmina returned to Rose Palace for the weekend. When Hans Borg saw the thin girl, he felt a mix of shock and pain.
“You’ve lost weight,” the secretary observed after a long moment.
Wilhelmina embraced him, kissing his cheek and hugging his neck, “But I had such a great time, Owen! Military training was amazing!”
“Forgive me, Your Highness, but I’m a military school graduate. This is the first time I’ve heard someone praise military training like this.”
Wilhelmina laughed, “I’m in love with spaceships. They’re the most wonderful things! The great Brunhilde—can you imagine? My great-grandfather ruled the Galactic Empire aboard her.”
Hans Borg smiled, “You have your own spaceship too.”
“Oh, right! But I haven’t boarded her yet.”
“You’ll have the opportunity when you grow up. After your coming-of-age ceremony, you’ll tour the Roxston Star Domain, and then you can board her.”
“I can’t wait!”
