As the Gray Bird left the military control zone approximately five thousand light-years away and prepared for warp jump, dozens of pirate ships intercepted them.
The Gray Bird attempted to turn back, but the pirate fleet surrounded them, demanding surrender or annihilation. The Gray Bird replied that all passengers were civilians willing to hand over finances and requested safe passage.
The pirates rejected this request and pressured them. The escorts counterattacked, leading to battle.
After confirming that the Gray Bird did not carry the queen, the pirates, revealing themselves as the Earth Mother’s Church, threatened to hand over Weina I. The Gray Bird resolutely refused and warned that support forces were en route for rescue. The pirates intensified their attacks, aiming to end the conflict quickly.
As the encirclement reduced significantly, several light points suddenly appeared on the enemy’s electronic monitoring map.
“What’s going on?”
“The leader shouted uncontrollably. ‘How could reinforcements arrive so quickly?’
‘We’ve been ambushed…’ a subordinate mumbled.
The leader pushed aside the stunned subordinate and ordered, ‘Contact Empress Anna immediately. She must transfer quickly.’
The communications officer reported in panic, ‘Sir, we can’t connect.’
‘What?’
‘The signal is gone.’
Meanwhile, hundreds of military ships circled a cosmic dust cloud, surrounding a small military ship hidden within.
Anna was about to bring her coffee cup to her mouth when her movement halted, and she noticed the numerous military lights outside the window.
‘Still the Royal Flag?’
‘I’m sorry… Your Majesty…’ the female attendant wept, fearful.
Putting down her coffee cup, Anna tidied her hair. ‘Your Majesty? I was your Majesty long ago. It’s just… unwilling…’
‘Are you alright?’
‘I am fine.’ Anna stood and looked in the mirror. Like Weina, who advocated simplicity, she had always loved luxury, dressing formally and wearing jewelry.
‘I was careless, allowing that little girl to slip away… But what can I do now?'”
Anna sighed softly, telling the guard she accepted the orders. “I’ll go back to my room now.”
Half an hour later, Alte delivered the news of total victory to Weina.
“And Anna? Is she still alive?”
“Yes, she looks fine. We have her under control. Her emotions are stable, with no signs of suicide,” the guard replied.
Weina felt slightly relieved. She stood up and walked out of the rest area, accompanied by several generals to the flag bridge corridor. In the hall below, soldiers cheered at the good news. When they saw the woman appear unharmed, their cheers amplified. They threw their caps high and shouted for her.
Weina looked joyful, waving to the soldiers and gripping the metal railing of the bridge corridor.
Alte noticed her white knuckles and sighed silently, covering his hand with hers. Weina looked at him gratefully.
After Anna’s capture, Weina returned to Odin while Alte stayed behind to lead final cleanup operations.
When Anna was escorted back, Weina met with her for the last time. In a small rest room, two guards stood vigilantly beside Anna. The two women sat face to face, appearing more relaxed than the guards. Anna had changed into a simple blue dress.
Bare-faced, she remained beautiful, with fear and madness replaced by despair and silence.
“You will return to Odin with me, Annie,” Weina said softly. “You will be detained and await trial.”
Anna lowered her head, stirring her coffee.
“Heinrich’s father and Barbara’s mother have returned to their territories, and Amelia and George Anna have also returned. If you want to see them, I can call them back.”
“Understood,” Anna replied softly.
Weina signaled the guards to take Anna away.
Anna was escorted back to her room and unexpectedly encountered Alte at the corner of the staircase.
In his neat military uniform, Alte appeared even more mature and handsome, causing Anna’s expression to change. She looked at him almost obsessively.
Alte made way for her, nodding.
Anna suddenly asked, “You’re actually willing to call me by name now, Alte?”
Alte replied coldly, “Lady Anna.”
This formal address deepened Anna’s meaning. “Lady? I almost forgot. I was already a queen, the Duchess of Degaris, and perhaps soon even that will be gone.”
Alte pursed his lips, expressing no opinion. He cautiously prevented Anna from becoming cold.
“You never liked me, right? Your Highness. If you had this title, I could have given it to you back then. I wanted so much to give you this title.”
“Just a title, my lady,” Alte finally faced her frankly. “I valued, respected, and loved you.”
Anna’s face turned pale. “Love… what an empty word. People like us are not qualified to discuss love.”
Alte replied, “This is probably the same as being with Her Majesty.” He bowed slightly and left.
Anna stared at his tall back, feeling lost. She had liked him very much—handsome, elegant, from a powerful family—exactly the husband she needed. But he was easily taken from her, just like the empire in her hands was usurped. Weina obtained everything, whether the empire or the man, both were abandoned for Weina.
William closed her eyes and sighed, then opened them with authority, announcing: “I do not agree to imprison her, let alone kill her.”
“Your Majesty…”
“It’s useless to say more,” William shook her head. “As a monarch, I won’t be so hasty as to kill the previous monarch. This is not the Osenge family tradition, and I don’t want to be the first monarch in the Osenge family to be a regicide.”
Hans Ge closed his mouth, frowning, but did not speak further on the matter.
“Then I will convey your intentions.”
His unfamiliar and cold tone made William uncomfortable. Even in official business, the other party was too cautious and distant, contrasting sharply with the queen’s warmth towards him.
“Do you have anything going on recently?”
Everything is fine, Your Majesty. Thank you for your concern.
William frowned. I feel we’ve been a bit distant lately. Have you received any criticism about being too close to me?
There’s nothing, Your Majesty. Hans Ge looked directly at William. I think official discussions should maintain a proper demeanor.
Of course, William forced a smile. I heard your parents have returned home? I thought they would stay in Odin a bit longer.
Hans Ge finally smiled. They went back to attend a cousin’s wedding.
Your cousin is already that old? William exclaimed. I suppose your parents must be worried about your marriage too?
The smile disappeared from Hans Ge’s face, leaving William somewhat at a loss.
Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Hans Ge’s low voice came over. I’m happy to chat with you, but I have a meeting to host. Please excuse me.
No problem, William simply said. Have a good day, sir.
You too, Your Majesty.
After the communication signal was cut off, Hans Ge exhaled and loosened his tie. He felt his eyes dry and his forehead slightly sweaty, but compared to his inner pain, this was nothing.
He opened the drawer and took out a worn leather notebook, casually flipping it open to a photo of an angel-like girl.
The girl had golden hair and wore a dark gray school uniform with a tie, looking serious at the camera. Her blue eyes resembled the sea.
Turning the page, a girl in a floral dress sat on a young secretary’s knee, whispering in his ear.
Another page showed the girl in pajamas playing with a cat, while the secretary held a pair of socks, trying to convince her to put them on.
Most photos featured the girl alone, laughing, silent, making faces. The child was small, as they had only been together for a short two years.
Hans Ge closed the notebook and put it back in the drawer. During his years stationed abroad, he spent time looking at these photos and reminiscing.
