“It’s fine. I like Roman-style pillars.” William Mina’s words were abruptly interrupted by the sound of shattering glass.
Women’s terrified screams erupted as a table was overturned, and plates smashed to pieces.
People panicked and ran everywhere, the alarm sound piercing through the sky deafeningly.
William Mina reacted immediately, pulling the bewildered Grand Duke of Luxembourg behind a pillar and pressing his shoulders to make him crouch down. She lowered her body close to him.
No second gunshot came, but William Mina saw Schneider lying on the ground, half his body covered in blood.
She examined the dark green uniform of the Albert Guard Corps, which made the young man look majestic. Many women in shock had already looked over this way.
William Mina asked, “When did you join the guard corps?”
“Just an internship, Your Highness,” Albert replied, extending his arm. “Please let me escort you back to the palace.”
Hastily, William Mina bid farewell to the Grand Duke and boarded the police hover car.
“Things happened so suddenly; I’m afraid I can’t provide more information,” she said, taking a deep breath. “I only remember that a moment ago, Schneider was raising his glass to greet me, and I was discussing Roman columns with the Grand Duke when the gunshot rang out. To be precise, it was the sound of crystal glass shattering.”
Albert asked, “So you didn’t notice anything unusual?”
“Of course, I’m certain,” William Minna smiled, “Apart from the recent tense situation and someone suddenly shooting at the Democratic Party leader, there was nothing unusual.”
Albert’s mouth curved slightly, “Does anyone know you were having dinner with the Grand Duke?”
“I don’t think many. The Grand Duke had a sudden impulse; I told two friends and Sir Wolf. Do you think this assassination was aimed at me?”
“I can’t confirm that right now.”
“Of course, you can’t,” William Minna sneered, “TV police always say that.”
Albert seemed magnanimous about her sarcasm, “In this sensitive period, assassinating Schneider is not a wise move.”
“He didn’t die after all,” William Minna said. “I like Schneider, but this matter is not simple. How incompetent would a sniper have to be to fail to take down an old man sitting in an obvious position?”
