Wilhelmina felt deeply moved. A surge of warm emotion filled her chest, making her feel happy. She reached out and wrapped her arms around Kerns’ shoulders, leaning in to kiss his temple.
Kerns turned and held her tightly, resting his head on her shoulder.
In the grass, a cricket began its first call of the night. Soon, countless insects joined this pastoral symphony.
The earth was dark, but the sky was a soft indigo blue, with the moon like a translucent gauze silhouette overhead.
“I love you,” Kerns said softly.
“I love you too,” but in a different way.
Kerns held Wilhelmina tighter, almost suffocating her. Warmth filled her eyes as she thought about Alberg’s proposal. She knew she should tell Kerns about it—but not now.
“Hey, sweetheart, listen to me,” Kerns said, his tone relaxed, “I’ve cracked the Senate Hall’s security system and found an ancient secret passage. Since they’re having a meeting tomorrow, why don’t we go and listen in?”
“Really?” Wilhelmina exclaimed joyfully, “You’re truly remarkable!”
Kerns laughed proudly, “Thank you, I’m indeed great. But don’t expect much from the meeting; it’s not exactly a ‘Galaxy’s Got Talent’ show.”
“But at least we’ll know what they’re planning for the current situation,” Wilhelmina said. “I hate being passive!”
The Senate Hall was a light gray granite building in a magnificent Italian style. In front of the hall was a fountain with statues of gods, a spot where tourists threw wishing coins. Candy sellers, painters, and young artists crowded the small square, selling their crafts.
After Angela’s disguise, Wilhelmina and Kerns were unrecognizable. Hand in hand, they passed through the crowd and entered the hall with the tourists.
On the second floor, guided by a guard, they found a secluded bathroom.
Wilhelmina brazenly followed Kerns into the men’s restroom, startling a man who was washing his hands. After everyone left, Kerns placed a “Disinfection in Progress, Temporarily Closed” sign at the door.
He opened the cleaning supplies storage box, tapped the bottom board, and confirmed their earlier speculation with an empty echo. Kerns and Wilhelmina skillfully pried open the bottom board, revealing a pitch-black tunnel. Kerns crawled in first, followed by Wilhelmina, who restored the storage box to its original state. With a light “beep,” the door opened.
