“I share that view,” Hans Berg said, hands in his pockets, relaxed. “Not entirely for my political career, but out of a desire for family.”
“A man at your age indeed wants to settle down. I hope you find happiness, Owen,” Wilhelmina said deeply, “So, do you have a suitable candidate?”
Hans lowered his head, kicking a small stone, “Not yet.”
“They must all be excellent women?”
“Indeed. But the feeling is always quite strange,” he replied, looking at the treetops filled with tender green leaves. “Although they are all excellent, articulate, elegant, and beautiful. But…”
“It seems winning your heart is really difficult!” Wilhelmina laughed.
Hans sighed, “I’m not in a hurry. Perhaps one day I’ll meet a suitable lady. I won’t make hasty decisions that could lead to missing happiness again.”
They walked further through the grass to a small pond.
“Hey, Owen, do you remember this place?” Wilhelmina exclaimed, “I haven’t been here for a long time. This is Kerns’ secret base.”
“Of course I remember,” Hans replied, falling into beautiful memories. “You used to come here to play with Lord Nolheim when you were young.”
“Remember when I fell into the water, and you rescued me?” she pointed to the pool. “You’ve always been my hero, Owen.”
Hans looked at the sparkling water, smiling faintly, “If I don’t protect you, who else would?”
Wilhelmina walked over, holding his hand tightly. They sat on the stone pillars by the pond.
“National Day is coming soon,” she said. “Albert’s injury is almost healed, and we’ll go to the cathedral for a blessing ceremony, then meet people at Venus Square. The activity plan submitted by the Ministry of the Interior is almost as thick as a pocket dictionary.”
“Life returns to its track. Next will be endless inspections, state visits, meetings, and social events. I’ll help you govern the country and guard against disruptions from the opposition party.”
Wilhelmina laughed. “You must be re-elected, Owen. A first-term Prime Minister’s re-election will consolidate the reforms.”
“With your words, I will do my best,” Hans Berg promised. “How are you and the Prince?”
“We’re fine now,” she sighed. “Of course, we’re both learning how to be a couple. After all, this is our first marriage.”
Hans Berg smiled. “At least you both have a diligent learning spirit.”
Wilhelmina looked at him gently and softly said, “I’m pregnant, Owen.”
A warm spring breeze swept across the grass. Hans Berg’s initially stunned expression slowly revealed a faint, warm smile.
“Congratulations, Willy. I’m truly happy for you.”
Wilhelmina was touched, her eyes moistening.
“I haven’t told Albert yet. I plan to surprise him. The doctor said it’s been over two months, and I didn’t notice the changes in my body.”
“Are you feeling okay?”
“The doctor said both I and the child are healthy.” Wilhelmina lowered her head, placing her hand on her belly with a satisfied expression. “It’s miraculous, isn’t it? Sometimes I still feel like a child, and suddenly I’m about to become a mother.”
“This will be a child blessed by the entire nation,” Hans Berg said, gazing at her radiant face. “And you will be a good mother. I believe this.”
“I believe so too,” Wilhelmina responded with a gentle smile. “I also want to thank you for the constitutional committee’s prince’s rights clause. I reviewed the amendments and am very satisfied. This will be a surprise for Albert. Thank you!”
“It is as it should be,” Hans Berg said. “The Prince is an excellent person, devoted to you. He should enjoy those rights.”
“You too, Owen,” Wilhelmina said softly. “You have also been instrumental in my success. I will be grateful and respectful of you for life.”
Hans Berg held her hand tightly, smiling without speaking.
This year’s National Day of the Galactic Empire was especially grand, marking the first celebration since Queen Wilhelmina I’s coronation. The Queen and her Christian-converted royal consort attended a blessing ceremony at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Odin.
After the ceremony, the royal couple appeared at city hall in Venus Square, facing the public. This was their first public appearance together since the scandal and Annabel’s assassination incident.
Though the doors to the grand balcony were still closed, cheers from the square faintly filtered through. In the restroom, makeup artists were making final adjustments to the couple’s appearance.
When Queen Wilhelmina declined coffee offered by a female attendant, Prince Albert remarked, “My dear, you seem to have stopped liking coffee recently.” Wilhelmina exchanged a playful glance with Cynthia.
“What’s wrong?” Albert asked, confused. “Is there something I don’t know?”
Cynthia lowered her head and laughed as she walked away. Wilhelmina continued adjusting Albert’s tie.
“Nothing, dear. On a day like this, I don’t need coffee to stay alert.”
“Indeed,” Albert said tenderly, whispering, “I love you like this, my love. I always wonder, can we be even happier?”
Wilhelmina smoothed Albert’s tie.
“I’m pregnant,” she announced, her azure eyes sparkling with happiness.
Albert stood in shock for five seconds before gasping, “Oh God!”
Those who already knew were laughing, while others looked on in confusion.
“Thank God! Is this true? Willy, is this true?” The Prince excitedly grabbed the Queen’s hand.
Wilhelmina nodded, smiling silently.
“This means that I will—” Albert began.
“You will be a father,” she completed.
Cheers erupted as those who understood applauded, while the Archbishop recited blessings and made the sign of the cross.
Albert laughed heartily, his scholarly demeanor forgotten.
“I’m going to be a father! Did you hear that? I’m going to have a child!”
He cupped Wilhelmina’s face and kissed her deeply, mindful of her condition. Wilhelmina laughed, satisfied to see her husband’s jubilance.
Attendants and officials offered congratulations, thrilled to witness this historic moment, while the court photographer captured the scene.
“Thank you, Willy,” Albert embraced her carefully, his voice trembling with joy. “Thank you! You are an incomparable wife. How fortunate I am to have you.”
You have given me the most beautiful things in the world!”
“I thank you too, Albert,” Wilhelmina whispered, “Thank you for your support. No matter what the future holds, you will always be my husband. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
The scheduled time arrived. The guards slowly pulled open the heavy doors facing the balcony.
Cheers rushed in, and the band played their military horns. White doves flew toward the clouds.
“Are you ready?” Albert took a deep breath, extending his hand to Wilhelmina.
“Yes,” she replied.
The master of ceremonies announced: “The honorable Prince Albert, and Her Majesty the Queen!”
The royal couple walked arm in arm toward the bright outside amidst deafening cheers.
——In the Imperial Year 7384, February 3rd, Queen Wilhelmina I gave birth to a healthy boy named Reinhard, who later became Reinhard I of the Selleberg Dynasty. The constitutional monarchy was perfected under his rule.
——Queen Wilhelmina I and Prince Albert had five children. The second daughter, Princess Veronica, later became Empress of the Alpha Empire. The third son, Prince Daniel, fourth son, Prince Fitzwilliam, and the youngest daughter, Princess Claudia.
Owen Hansberg was the first Prime Minister of the Galactic Empire and the first to serve two consecutive terms. Eight years after his resignation, the “Black Water Gate” incident occurred, leading to his invitation by the Queen to serve another term. He later continued as a permanent council member of Parliament and as the dean of the Imperial Public Affairs Academy.
