Albert took a deep breath, joy and emotion surging through him. “My God, Willy! What should I say?”
He lifted Wilhelmina in a big embrace.
Wilhelmina screamed and wrapped her arms around his neck. The nearby attendants tactfully turned away, exchanging glances.
Albert spun her around before setting her down, then held her hand and strode out of the stable.
“I can’t believe it,” Albert said, excited. “They actually agreed to let me lead troops. Won’t this conflict with the constitution?”
“You’re not the main commander, so it’s not a big issue. Besides, the military personnel are old friends of your family.”
“The opposition party will criticize.”
“Then win a victory and shut those politicians’ mouths!” Wilhelmina declared boldly.
They stopped beneath a large banyan tree.
“I don’t know how to thank you, Willy,” Albert said, his eyes full of gratitude and love. “You understand me so well. I once thought marrying you was my greatest happiness, but now I realize there can be even greater happiness.”
Wilhelmina smiled gently. “I know it’s war, and no wife normally volunteers to send her husband to the battlefield. But I want to create opportunities for you to showcase your talents. I want you to be happy.”
“I am truly happy. I love you,” Albert caressed his wife’s cheek. “And I swear I will return victorious.”
They embraced tightly before continuing to walk across the grassy slope.
Chapter 77 The Imperial Peacekeeping Forces set off that day, with Emeny presiding over the departure ceremony.
This non-public ceremony had no media, only internal video recording. Emeny wore a simple navy blue wool dress with a light blue hat. Besides pearl earrings and a silver cross necklace, she had no extra decorations. She sat in the first row of the military families’ section, quiet and resolute.
Later, the internal video was released after the terrorist operation’s success. Media commented on Emeny: Even without her crown, she remained proud and noble because of her strength as a soldier’s wife.
After the ceremony, Albert, now in military uniform, pushed through the crowd to find his wife. Like any soldier’s couple, they hugged and kissed in their final farewell.
“I told you how incredibly handsome you look in your uniform,” Emeny smiled, straightening his collar.
Albert touched foreheads with her, “I always love hearing you say that.”
With no more words, the assembly call sounded. Albert gave his wife a final kiss before rejoining his unit.
“He will return safely,” Empress Spock approached.
Emeny tried to smile, “I believe so too.”
The flagship Silver Thunder slowly rose into the sky, followed by thousands of military ships, their hulls gleaming in the sunlight.
“White day, starry sky,” Emeny whispered softly.
“What, Your Majesty?” Spock asked.
“Nothing,” Emeny replied quietly. “I just remembered a quote from Emperor Walrich.”
Spock gazed at her deeply, his eyes tender and full of attachment. Unbeknownst to Emeny, this fleeting glance was captured by a photographer.
The Imperial Peacekeeping Forces’ operation was grand and imposing. The terrorist forces initially gained the upper hand, winning the first confrontation with their organization.
Albert, leading a small squad, played a crucial role in the battle. His team’s coordination and agile response changed the views of critical officers.
Emeny closely followed the war, listening to special reports daily. Meanwhile, a vigorous institutional reform was underway, receiving public attention and support. Although busy with official duties, she felt lonely at night, lying alone in bed.
The Imperial Peacekeeping Forces cleared the Mother Earth Teaching’s bases in various locations, but they still hadn’t found Bell. Rumors of Bell being transferred remained unconfirmed, but the situation clearly favored the Imperial side.
At the Sunday regular meeting, Emeny specifically discussed this matter.
At the same time as Bell’s arrest, I hope to ensure that she is captured before she flees.
Your Majesty, the sweep leader has conducted a blockade at the border, monitoring both regular ports and smuggling channels.
Another official mentioned, “Her accomplices may be cosmic fugitives, and her channels are likely more numerous than ours. We must be prepared for her escape.”
Min turned to Prime Minister Sberg. “What do you think?”
Sberg replied, “Do you believe we should revoke Countess Bell de Garlis’s title?”
“Is this necessary? She has issued a rebellious statement, which could rally morale,” Sberg continued.
“I understand, but a title won’t hinder her. She is of noble birth and has many clan members. If captured, it may be too late to revoke her title.”
Sberg nodded and said, “I represent the cabinet and request that Your Majesty order the prince, princess, and two princesses to return to their territories.”
After a moment of thought, Min agreed, “I will have the Imperial Household Province convey this decree to them.”
After the meeting, the ministers withdrew, and Min smiled, asking Sberg, “If you’re free, shall we have tea together in the White Gold Palace greenhouse?”
Sberg stopped briefly, documents in hand, and said, “Apologies, Your Majesty, I have a meeting to preside over this morning.”
Min sighed, “Then I won’t delay you.”
Sberg bowed and left silently.
“Wait a moment,” Min said suddenly. “Are you okay?”
Sberg looked up, then averted his gaze, addressing her as Your Majesty. The title sounded harsh to Min.
“I feel like you recently… a bit…” she struggled to find the right words. “I know it’s strange.”
Sberg met her gaze briefly, an intense emotion flickering before disappearing. Min suspected it was just an illusion.
“Perhaps I’m just too busy, Your Majesty,” Sberg replied with a formulaic smile. “My mind is full of work, and I might have overlooked others. I apologize for my discourtesy.”
Min felt somewhat embarrassed, realizing she might be too sensitive. “Then go ahead and be busy.”
Sberg bowed again and turned to leave. Min sighed bitterly.
That day, the decree was conveyed to Prince Heinrich and the two princesses. The prince and princess accepted it unconditionally, while the two princesses visited Min again.
Amelia’s belly had grown; she was now more than seven months pregnant. “Are you feeling well, Amy?”
Min ordered a servant to bring juice. “How’s the child?”
“Healthy, Your Majesty,” Amelia smiled awkwardly. “A boy.”
“Really?” Min poured herself a glass of juice. “Does the child’s father know?”
Amelia’s smile dimmed. “Your Majesty, I’m here today because of this matter. I want to divorce.”
“Me too,” George interjected.
Min raised her eyebrows in surprise. She had heard from Kaka that the sisters’ marriages were in turmoil. After Bell’s retreat, George dissolved her engagement and married a Democratic Party count. Amelia wanted to marry the child’s father, but he hesitated until Min pressured him.
“But you’re still pregnant, Amy.”
“He’s already an incompetent husband. I want him to be an incompetent father too,” Amelia said firmly. “Now is not too late to remedy this, Your Majesty. I’m willing to take my child back home and live peacefully, never returning to Odin.”
Min turned to George. “What about you?”
George sneered. “How can I talk about it, Your Majesty? My husband is more ‘interested’ in his attendants than in me.”
Amelia looked embarrassed, and Min understood.
“I didn’t expect that,” Min remarked.
“I didn’t expect it either,” Amelia replied.
Min sighed. As the new empress, she was not skilled in handling divorce matters. “I will discuss this with the Imperial Household Province and resolve it before you leave Odin.”
The two princesses bowed and retreated.
