“I am deeply sorry for your loss,” Schneider said.
Wilhelmina paused, “Thank you. May Odin bless you, sir.”
Schneider’s smile deepened, “Please do not be so guarded, Your Highness. I am your friend.”
It’s a pity we did not get to know you earlier. Your grandfather refused our visits, and after you came to the Rose Palace, we had no way to approach you.”
William Minna tilted her head and smiled vaguely. “But we know each other now, don’t we? Although I don’t know you, sir, I appreciate your concern. Now, I want to return to my family. You can have the guards show you the way.”
As she turned towards the door, a voice came from behind: “You are very much like your mother.”
William Minna stopped abruptly, curiosity piqued. She turned around. “Did you know my mother?” she asked, astonished.
“I was Rebecca’s teacher,” Schneider replied. “She studied broadcast media with me for three years and was my most outstanding student.”
William Minna’s artificial innocence faded, and her sea-blue eyes moistened. She whispered, “I don’t have many memories of her.”
“That’s okay, sweetheart,” Schneider said gently. “I knew her and understood her. She loved you very much and you were the only right thing in her wrong marriage.”
I know your name was chosen by her because she greatly admired Empress William Minna. Your mother was a strong, independent, and wise woman, full of vitality. She was free-spirited, but you were the only person she cared about.”
The little girl bit her lip, unable to suppress the redness in her eyes.
“Thank you, sir,” William Minna said, head lowered. “I’m grateful you told me so much.”
“Not at all, Your Highness,” Schneider’s smile deepened. “I hope we have the opportunity to meet again to talk more about your mother.”
“Maybe…” William Minna replied with a perfunctory smile.
Hans Borg stood by the window, observing the hallway.
The middle-aged man had obviously used his skills to win the young girl’s favor, and she was indeed moved, stopping to listen to him.
Sunlight shone on William Minna’s golden hair, reflecting a dazzling radiance and making her eyes appear bluer and more transparent.
“Has Schneider finally spoken to her?” a girl whispered lightly behind him. “Look at him, he’s like a kindergarten principal.”
