“I’m sorry,” Hans Berg said softly, “I missed it. You must be disappointed?”
Wilhelmina smiled faintly. “It’s okay. I believe I still have over seventy birthdays to go.”
“Happy birthday.”
“Thank you.” She glanced at him silently. “It seems Schneider values you highly.”
“Well,” Hans Berg replied, “I feel I’ve finally found the right direction. Although I’m starting at thirty, which is a bit late, I have a substantial resume.”
“I’m happy for you,” Wilhelmina said sincerely. “If you like it, then I support you, Owen. As a queen, I can’t interfere arbitrarily, nor can I participate in the election. But I will always pray for you.”
Hans Berg gazed at the young girl before him, his heart swelling with painful emotion.
Something seemed to tear, and hot blood flowed out. The more she smiled faintly and appeared indifferent, the more painful he felt.
He knew he had hurt her, and this was beyond repair. Just as he had once protected and supported her, he believed what he was doing now was also for her good. While there was still time, he would maintain a safe distance between them.
She would always be his sweetheart, his precious girl. He could take a bullet for her; this would be the best way for them to interact.
“You should return to the ball, Your Majesty,” Hans Berg said softly, “Today you are the main character and cannot be away for too long.”
“Of course,” Wilhelmina replied, “I have a dance scheduled for every song, fully booked until midnight.”
Hans Berg added, “You’re about to be crowned. The ball will end, but your reign is just beginning.”
“I miss your lectures,” Wilhelmina playfully winked, “Owen, I hope you can return to the court soon.”
As she turned to walk back, Hans Berg suddenly called out to her.
Looking back, Wilhelmina noticed the handsome man in a crisp tuxedo. She felt lucky to have his loyalty and service, even if she couldn’t have him entirely.
Hans Berg carefully examined the elegantly dressed young girl in the hall’s light, feeling she was almost surrounded by a glow.
He sincerely exclaimed, “You look beautiful today.”
A warm smile spread across her lips as Wilhelmina nodded and turned to leave. Albert, waiting at the doorway, extended his arm as she approached, his smile indulgent and doting.
Wilhelmina placed her hand on his arm, glancing at him sideways. “Aren’t you bothered by your fiancée meeting another man?”
Albert chuckled, “It wasn’t a meeting; you just exchanged a few words at the ball. Of course I mind, because you missed the opening waltz.”
Wilhelmina was silent for a moment. “Did I say something wrong?” Albert looked down at her uneasily.
“No!” she replied, “I just feel I’m a lucky person.”
The scene of the queen and her fiancé holding hands and gazing at each other on the dance floor caught the attention of most guests. “Only love and cough cannot be hidden,” Schneider smiled to nearby ladies, who expressed admiration.
After the queen’s birthday ball, the palace interior ministry began preparations for the coronation ceremony. Considering the election and wedding, the coronation was set for September 18th, with the wedding on October 22nd. After the royal couple returned from their honeymoon, the empire’s first national election would begin. The merger of the Senate and Assembly was a historic change.
Elders above the red crown could enter the upper house, while the remaining Senate would lose political rights, becoming a space for secular spiritual leadership.
The coronation ceremony will take place in the White Pearl Hall of the Pantheon, attended by the Emperor’s senior officials, meritorious nobles, and prominent religious figures.
Suddenly, a previously ignored issue arose.
“Yes, I am a Christian,” Wilhelmina said calmly. “I followed my mother and grandparents in faith. I’m not a devout believer and haven’t been to church in years, but I was baptized. The royal family has never restricted members’ religious beliefs; Emperor Wolrich had no religious affiliation. So, I don’t think this will be a problem.”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” the palace official said, sweating and forcing a smile, “do you plan to be crowned by the Pope instead of the Grand Elder?”
“Of course not,” Wilhelmina replied. “Doing so would displease the Elder Council and label me a ‘heretic’. But I won’t abandon my faith; it has supported me through difficulties.”
“Moreover,” Albert added, “Christians in the Empire now account for 34%. The Queen’s Christian faith is not extraordinary; it could help win over the long-neglected Christian court.”
“Thank you, Albert,” Wilhelmina smiled at her fiancé.
The palace official lowered his head, pretending not to notice.
“Regarding the coronation…” Wilhelmina began, tapping her fingers on the armrest. “We need to accommodate both sides. The Empire has no official religion, but being crowned by the Elder is tradition, and the Elder Council has always supported me.”
“What if both religious leaders crown you together?” Albert suggested.
The palace official was taken aback, but Wilhelmina exclaimed, “What a great idea! Albert, you’re brilliant!”
“The ceremony is negotiable, but deciding who ultimately places the crown is more difficult,” Albert said.
“Normally,” Wilhelmina explained, “one person recites the words and holds the crown while another places it. Placing the crown is seen as a significant ritual.”
“Darling, you can’t have the Grand Elder and the Pope play rock-paper-scissors, can you?”
At that, the three laughed, including lady-in-waiting Cynthia.
The palace official wiped his sweat, visibly uncomfortable.
The Queen continued, “In that case, the entire ceremony will need to be redesigned. Christian coronation ceremonies differ significantly from traditional ones.”
I hope both sides can communicate and merge the two ceremonies, then submit a report to me.”
Looking sympathetically at the pale-faced official, Albert consoled, “Don’t be so nervous, sir. I believe Her Majesty won’t be the last Christian monarch.”
“He’s right,” Wilhelmina added. “I can’t estimate what religion my descendants will follow. Perhaps starting a regulation from me isn’t a bad idea.”
The palace official was shocked. Albert suggested, “Then we might as well unify the religious beliefs of the people.”
“What a great idea!” the Queen cheered. The engaged couple exchanged light-hearted remarks.
“Your Majesty—” Unable to bear it, the small official finally shouted, followed by their uncontrollable laughter.
“I’m joking, sir!” the Queen said, exchanging a mischievous glance with her fiancé.
“I’m really sorry for scaring you. But I’m in a good mood; I hope you don’t mind. I promise this is the last time.”
The palace official took a long breath and wiped sweat from his brow. “Your Majesty, for heaven’s sake, thank you.”
“Relax, sir,” Wilhelmina returned to a serious tone. “I know time is tight, and you’re working hard. I appreciate this. As for the coronation, after discussing with the Pope and Grand Elder, I will give you a definitive reply.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” the official expressed his overwhelming gratitude.
“I believe you will plan the most perfect coronation ceremony, sir,” Wilhelmina encouraged. “From what I’ve seen in previous royal ceremonies, you’ve never made a mistake. I’m honored to have such excellent palace officials. I hope you can maintain tradition and perform at your best this time.”
Inspired, the official took a deep breath. “Serving you is our honor, Your Majesty!”
After seeing off the palace official, Wilhelmina leaned back into the sofa, hugging a cushion. Her gaze met Albert’s, and they laughed knowingly.
“You’ve opened my eyes, sir. How could you joke about religious matters? You’re quite bold.”
“And why did you go along with it?” Albert raised an eyebrow.
Wilhelmina threw the cushion at him, “I’ve misjudged you, Albert.”
