This proposal unexpectedly caught Emperor Alexander’s attention, causing opposition from conservatives and panic among the royal heirs.
Host: “The call for constitutional monarchy grew louder during this time. Prince Heinrich’s family were staunch conservatives, insisting on royal power integrity. They were unhappy with being labeled dictatorial and with democratic sympathizers developing a fondness for Wilhelmina due to Queen Rebecca’s influence.”
Wilhelmina realized she was being seen as a hero’s child, with deep expectations placed upon her. This was perhaps too heavy a burden for a twelve-year-old girl.
Royal Museum Consultant: “This was an unexpected turn for Wilhelmina. She had planned to return to Odin, complete her education, and live a stable life as a duchess in Rockston. However, political reforms drew her onto a different path.”
From Wilhelmina’s memoirs, she summarized these events indicating that she had no political ambitions and believed that perseverance would shield her. She looked forward to returning to Rockston after coming of age, confident that with Hans Boge by her side, she would fear nothing.
Mrs. Hans Boge: “He would speak of those events to educate the children about strength, calmness, and maintaining an even-tempered heart.”
In fact, he had already considered the possibility of a power transition at that time. However, he always strongly protected Wilhelmina, hoping she could have a relatively pure childhood.
The Plague Event of 7377 pushed the Crown Prince, who had never been favored by the Emperor, off the throne, and Annabel was established as the new Crown Prince. This did not change Wilhelmina’s awkward situation; because of Annabel’s youth and ambition, she was treated even more like an enemy.
Around this time, a new name appeared in Wilhelmina’s diary: Albert von Sellerberg.
Albert von Sellerberg came from a military family; since the founding of the Osenberg Dynasty, his ancestors had been Imperial Marshals, controlling heavy troops. The Sellerberg was a family of deep prestige, known for their strict rules and outstanding generations. Their military power placed the family at the center of political whirlpools, marking the beginning of Albert and Wilhelmina’s cooperation.
Royal Museum Consultant: “In Wilhelmina’s diary in 7377, there was only one entry mentioning Albert, which was the first time he appeared in her diary.”
However, it was obvious that Albert did not leave a good impression on her. She called him ‘that arrogant and pretentious guy,’ and remarked that he ‘dressed like a peacock and put on a proud appearance. He was nothing more than a clown flattering Annabel.’
Host (laughing): “Sounds like children’s quarreling.”
Consultant: “Yes. It was probably about Annabel’s investiture as Crown Prince. At that time, Annabel’s parents had intentions of marrying into the Sellerberg family. Although Sellerberg was not interested, they still flattered the Crown Prince on the surface.”
Host: “When was Albert mentioned next?”
Consultant: “That was six years later.”
Host: “That’s quite a long time.”
Consultant: “Yes, and Wilhelmina had not written in her diary for a long time.”
Host: “Because Hans Boge was transferred away from her side, right?”
Consultant: “Yes. She supplemented her memories of this event in her memoirs. That chapter was full of anger, sorrow, reluctance, and nostalgia. She wrote: ‘That feeling was like separating from another self, and even now when I recall it, I feel heartbroken. I was sleepless for days, became thin and weak, in extreme pain. But at the same time, I understood that from this moment on, I must struggle alone. I must be brave and strong to face my destiny.'”
Host: “It sounds very heartbreaking. She was twelve years old then.”
Consultant: “Yes, and she had just lost her protector, Emperor Alexander.”
On January 13, 7378 of the Galactic Empire, Emperor Alexander passed away, and Annabel ascended to the throne as Queen.
Annabel began controlling Wilhelmina immediately after taking power, monitoring her closely, isolating her from democratic elements, and weakening her surrounding forces—she even transferred Hans Boge away from her side.
The loss of Hans Boge forced Wilhelmina to mature rapidly. She recognized the power she wielded and the threat she posed to Annabel, becoming more low-key, silent, and restrained.
Hans Boge felt equally troubled by the separation. In his memoirs, he expressed worry and pain, feeling guilty about leaving Wilhelmina alone in the palace. This signifies he treated her as his own child, and their emotional connection was mutual.
Host: “In his memoirs, he once wrote ‘If I had not left,’ but he did not complete this thought, correct?”
Hans Boge’s Wife: “Yes, he did not finish it. Perhaps he knew it was an impossible scenario.”
If he had not left, many things might have been different.
Hans Boge left the palace, joined the front line, and began a challenging six-year military career, while Wilhelmina spent this time growing and anticipating their reunion.
However, fate took a different turn.
The “Red Castle Incident” of 7384 remains a notorious serial murder case, which severely undermined Queen Annabel’s credibility. Years of autocracy and corruption had eroded the Annabel Dynasty’s internal structure, leading to unprecedented calls for reform. In this context, Wilhelmina found her opportunity.
Albert’s name resurfaced in Wilhelmina’s diary with a brief entry: “The young Mr. Sellerberg hoped to reach mutually beneficial cooperation with me.”
Scholars agree that their marriage began as a political alliance. He needed to secure his family’s future, while she aimed to escape Annabel’s regime and gain control of the empire.
Royal Museum Advisor: “It’s remarkable that they could understand and trust each other despite having little prior contact. Their collaboration, viewed as hasty and risky even today, ultimately proved successful, leading to a happy marriage. It was a bold gamble; had it failed due to betrayal, the consequences could have been tragic.”
Host: “This collaboration began with a proposal, which has a romantic undertone, despite Wilhelmina calling it one of the worst proposals in her memoirs.”
Advisor (laughing): “Yes, that quote is quite famous. Thankfully, he later made up for it.”
Host: “At that time, there was no love involved.”
Advisor: “Prince Albert noted in his autobiography that he was so emotionally cold that it surprised him Wilhelmina accepted.”
Host: “Wilhelmina’s acceptance was politically motivated, especially since Hans Boger was no longer there to advise her. What might he have suggested if he were present?”
Advisor: “That’s hard to say. (Laughing) Perhaps he would still advise her to accept.”
Host: “So accepting the proposal was purely a collaboration?”
Advisor: “You’ve stumped me.”
Wilhelmina returned to her territory of Roxton due to political considerations but soon returned to Odin with the army in August of 7384.
As a ruler and innovator, her personal life had also changed significantly. She had a fiancé and, after six years, reunited with Hans Boger.
Wilhelmina’s diary entries celebrated her joy of reunion, while Hans Boger’s memoir was brief, noting simply, “She has grown up.”
Advisor (laughing): “One can imagine this was a huge shock for Hans Boger’s perception.”
Host: “And she was also engaged.”
Advisor: “Yes. They were apart for six years. Six years ago, they had each other, but now another man was by her side.”
Host: “A man who could be more legitimately with her.”
Advisor: “Yes. Albert was an excellent, gentle, and tolerant young man. Wilhelmina mentioned this often in her diary, expressing gratitude for his generosity and forbearance. This was likely key to their successful marriage. For Hans Boger, Albert was undoubtedly the third party.”
