Though currently labeled as a young and promising Democratic Party newcomer, his lack of an official position did not diminish his appeal. This handsome politician frequently appeared on television and had become the ideal man in countless women’s hearts. Despite criticisms from the Liberal Party as “taking a seductive route” and “being a housewife killer,” his approachable demeanor and popular political propositions garnered a significant following.
Upon entering the small White Palace, Hans paused at the scene of furniture being moved.
“Are we moving to the Paris Palace?” he asked Sir Wolf, who came to receive him. “Isn’t the move supposed to be after the grand wedding?”
“It’s Lord Sellerberg’s idea,” Sir Wolf replied. “He said that since we’ll move eventually, why not do it now when the weather is good? After the coronation, there will be many complex matters, and moving then would cause more trouble.”
His Majesty accepted his suggestion and asked us to start moving bit by bit.”
“I see. Is it convenient for me to meet with His Majesty?”
“You may need to wait a moment,” Sir Wolf said. “His Majesty is trying on a new outfit.”
“Lord Hans Borg,” Lady Cynthia, the head attendant, walked out of the room, “His Majesty is waiting for you.”
Hans Borg thought “trying on a new outfit” meant an ordinary garment. When he entered the morning room, he realized the Queen was trying on her coronation dress.
The white fur and deep red velvet cape trailed long on the ground. The ivory ceremonial dress was embroidered with floral and bee patterns using gold and silver threads, symbolizing royal authority. Diamonds and pearls adorned the dress, with silk and ribbons forming shoulder flowers that fastened the cape. The dress was luxurious, heavy, and elegant, with a full skirt.
Wilhelmina stood with her arms spread, allowing attendants and tailors to adjust her dress.
Seeing Hans Borg arrive, the Queen smiled, “Owen, come quickly. Look at my dress.”
Hans Borg couldn’t take his eyes off the young Queen in her magnificent attire. She was slender, seemingly unable to bear the complex long dress. The jewelry highlighted her beautiful face, making her radiant.
The Osenberg family, inherited from King Wolrich and the Queen, was known for their outstanding appearance.
At eighteen, Wilhelmina’s blonde hair was like sunlight, charming and noble. Even without the crown, she was the queen of his heart.
Wilhelmina examined herself in the mirror, asking, “How are things progressing?”
“Everything is going smoothly, Your Majesty. Here is the report.”
“I hope the adjustments can be completed before the summit. How is the lower house being formed?”
“It’s progressing vigorously.”
Wilhelmina laughed, “I wish I could see those elections. Have you formed your team?”
“It’s still in progress.”
Wilhelmina turned, her hands elegantly folded in front of her. “How do I look?”
“You look incredibly noble and beautiful, Your Majesty,” Hans Borg praised.
Wilhelmina laughed, “You always compliment me.”
She stepped down from the fitting platform, walking carefully in the room. The heavy dress required cautious movement while maintaining a graceful posture.
“Fortunately, this is just a coronation. How can I govern in a dress that makes breathing and walking difficult?” Wilhelmina scoffed. “Ministers advised me not to appear too simple to avoid losing royal dignity while changing Annabel’s luxurious style. I fought with them for a long time and only managed to secure a slightly simpler carriage for the parade.”
“The people want to see a grand ceremony.”
“But it’s been only a few years since Annabel’s coronation. Excessive luxury is unnecessary.”
Anyway, that’s how it is,” Wilhelmina carefully turned, lifting her dress, “Have lunch with me, Owen.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty,” Hans Borg took the Queen’s offered hand. He noticed the dazzling diamond ring on Wilhelmina’s finger.
At the lunch table, changed into home clothes, Wilhelmina looked relaxed. It had been a long time since she had lunch with Hans. What was once commonplace now felt precious.
The upcoming coronation and wedding kept a joyful expression on Wilhelmina’s face. After coffee was served, she spoke seriously, “There’s one more thing I want to discuss with you.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“About my wedding,” Wilhelmina said. “The Pope has reached an agreement with the Grand Elder. The Grand Elder will crown me, and the Pope will preside over my wedding.”
“That seems to be a good compromise,” Hans agreed.
“There’s another issue, Owen,” Wilhelmina said with difficulty. “Because it’s a Christian wedding, I need a senior family member to walk me to the altar.”
Hans frowned slightly, remembering, “I recall the ministers suggested Prince Heinrich.”
Wilhelmina’s expression suddenly turned dark.
“No!” she firmly refused. “I will not choose him! This is what I wanted to tell you. I absolutely will not choose him and will not compromise.”
“Okay…” Hans was surprised but didn’t ask further. “Have you discussed this with the ministers?”
“Yes, it’s been discussed.”
This is my wedding, and I will decide this matter. I hope my grandfather, Mr. Lehmann, will walk me down the aisle. The day after tomorrow, my grandparents will arrive in Odin for my coronation ceremony. Someone needs to explain my change of plans to Uncle Heinrich.”
“You don’t plan to go yourself.”
Wilhelmina smiled coldly. “I’m too busy.”
Hans Borg sighed at her willfulness. But what could he do? She had been smart since childhood, and he was accustomed to indulging her.
“Let me go, Your Majesty,” he offered. “I think the Prince will understand.”
“Thank you, Owen,” Wilhelmina replied gratefully.
On September 18th, it was a cloudy but bright day, with a cool breeze. People preparing for the coronation ceremony had crowded the streets of Odin’s main city before dawn. Colorful flags flew everywhere, flowers bloomed, and hot air balloons displayed banners reading “Long Live the Queen” and “Long Live the Emperor.” Media occupied strategic corners, with cameras set up high.
In the Little White Palace, the Queen’s entourage was in place. Angela and Cynthia were flower girls, wearing matching cloud-white chiffon dresses and jeweled flower crowns.
This group of attendants would be a focal point of the ceremony.
The Lehmann couple, who had come from Monslanka, had changed into formal attire. The elderly couple was in good health, cheerful, and full of spirit.
Upon arriving in Odin, they met with Albert, who had sent people to protect them during the previous coup. The couple had a special fondness for this young man and blessed the marriage.
Hans Borg, representing the Democratic Party, would be one of the scepter bearers, alongside Sir Carter from the Liberal Party. Although typically at odds, the two politicians were peacefully coexisting in the waiting room, sharing cigars.
Albert, as a special guest, did not have a specific role in the ceremony. However, he would serve as a knight escorting the Queen’s carriage during the parade, accompanied by Kerns, Prince Louis (son of Princess Marianne), and Baron Andrew, one of the Queen’s cousins. The four young men were dressed in full regalia and riding boots.
“Where is Her Majesty?” a palace official asked, reporting that the land vehicle was ready.
“Her Majesty is in the studio and will come out soon,” Cynthia replied, looking at the tightly closed studio door.
Wilhelmina was dressed in formal attire, wrapped in a gray squirrel stole, standing alone in the studio.
On the north wall, facing the fireplace, hung a portrait of Emperor Wolrich, the founding emperor of the Osenberg Dynasty. The young emperor had slightly curly golden hair, a proud expression, and a determined gaze.
