Accustomed to being summoned by Annabel, William Minna put down her bag and followed the chamberlain to the car. When she arrived at the Carefree Palace’s Golden Sparrow Hall, she discovered Annabel had invited many people, including her two aunts, Kerns, the Selberg father and son, and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
Annabel had clearly lost weight, her skin dull, with dark circles under her eyes and a more rigid smile.
“After what happened, I have no reason to keep the Grand Duke here any longer,” the Queen said regretfully. “So I’ve asked everyone to come and bid farewell to the Grand Duke, especially William Minna.”
William Minna approached the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. “I can’t believe you’re leaving so soon. I hope yesterday’s incident didn’t leave a bad impression of the imperial capital.”
Such shootings don’t often happen in Odin.”
“That’s right, not every shooting is meant to assassinate a politician,” Kerns interjected.
Annabel’s expression darkened, and Aunt Catherine glared at her son.
The Grand Duke of Luxembourg looked somewhat embarrassed. “I’m not leaving because of yesterday’s incident, Princess William Minna. I just have urgent matters to handle in Luxembourg.”
“Oh, is your dog about to have puppies?” Kerns interjected again.
William Minna couldn’t help but smile. “Kerns always likes to joke, Your Grace.”
“Yes, I do too,” the Grand Duke of Luxembourg replied. “Actually, the latest results from my physics laboratory are about to come out, and I can’t miss that moment. Not having you accompany me is also a significant loss.”
Outside the palace, in the Byzantine-style corridor, Kains dragged Wilhelmina forward, agitated and indignant. His grip was strong, and she couldn’t break free. Along the way, they tugged, scaring the guards.
“Kains, stop! We need to talk!” Wilhelmina called out, hugging a column and refusing to move. “I’ll die under this pillar; don’t think about pulling me away!”
Kains finally stopped and let go, looking at Wilhelmina with soft, sad eyes.
This made Wilhelmina feel irritated.
“Don’t look at me with those eyes, dear, making me feel like I’ve done something wrong. You should apologize to me and explain.”
“What?” Kains shrugged.
Wilhelmina flicked his forehead, “Apologize for what you said yesterday! You’ve completely messed everything up.”
