The Path of the Queen

Chapter 2

The Imperial Capital, Odin, was the name of this planet, slightly larger than Mother Earth, and the political center of the Galactic Empire.

Here, there were magnificent mountains and vast oceans, modern bustling cities, and ancient grand imperial palaces. It boasted the finest elites, the most beautiful men and women, and the wealthiest individuals in the nation.

The House of Osengberg was a young dynasty, only one hundred and forty years since Emperor Walrich I overthrew the previous regime and established a new government.

The military vehicle carrying Williamina and Hans Bog discreetly departed from the air harbor, entering a dedicated passage.

Williamina leaned against the bulletproof window, wide-eyed, taking in the vibrant scene outside. Hans Bog sat beside her, carefully supporting her small frame with his hand.

Tower-like skyscrapers, floating vehicle lanes spanning several stories, bustling airborne malls, and gardens passed by. Fashionably dressed men and women strolled on spacious terraces as if on level ground.

The vehicle passed by a colossal airborne amusement park. Williamina pointed to the park, saying to Hans Bog, "I've seen it. It's called Paradise Park. Grandpa promised to take me here if I got three A's this semester."

Hans Bog's gaze softened with affection. "Well, you can come anytime now."

Williamina sat back in her seat, stroking the soft fur of Lucy, the big cat. "Maybe."

Hans Bog chuckled at the childlike tone. The female attendant who brought tea blushed and lingered for a moment before leaving.

"Where are we going?" Williamina asked.

"I'm taking you to meet your grandfather first."

"Does Dad live with him?"

"...Yes, for now, they're living together."

"I want to go to Skylark Manor," Williamina said, hugging Lucy tightly. The big cat extended its pink tongue, licking her tender face.

"But you belong here," Hans Bog said gently, his eyes affectionate. "You belong here, my lady."

Williamina lowered her head in a half-understanding manner, nibbling on her favorite blueberry cream cake.

Outside the window, the bustling commercial district had receded into the distance. Looking out, lush forests stretched below, a winding river shimmering like a silver ribbon.

"This is the River Saint Coslor, the mother river," Hans Bog said.

At the edge of the forest were vast plains and highlands. Located in the northern hemisphere, the grasslands were lush with spring, wildflowers carpeting the ground. Deer ran on the hillsides, while cattle and sheep grazed leisurely. The River Saint Coslor flowed east, nourishing the land.

The vehicle continued its rapid journey. The highlands featured cliffs, where the river cascaded down, forming magnificent waterfalls. The immense water pool resembled a mirror.

At Hans Bog's signal, the vehicle descended slowly, flying low beside the water.

Clear lake water reflected the shadow of the vehicle's metallic shell, while white waterfowl chased after it.

Williamina looked up at the distant waterfall, resembling a bridal veil, her mouth agape, her small nose tinged with pink.

Such an adorable child. Hans Bog suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.

"We're almost there," Hans Bog said.

With that, the vehicle ascended again. The lake water gathered into a river, and on the banks of the valley, tall birch trees grew, with scattered castles and villas appearing on the hillsides.

This was the famous New Loire Valley, with beautiful scenery and historic noble castles and royal palaces. Many castles had changed hands, converted into museums and luxury hotels, making it one of the vacation spots for the empire's wealthy.

Leaving the airspace of the valley, crossing a large expanse of densely vegetated hills, more houses gradually appeared. Traditional buildings, narrow streets, towering churches, and behind the churches, a pristine white palace.

"Welcome to Rose Palace," Hans Bog whispered in Williamina's ear, "Do you see the roses? They're beautiful, aren't they?"

Rose Palace, built during the previous dynasty, had a history of over four hundred years. The extravagant previous dynasty only used it as a hunting palace, leaving it vacant for a long time. After Emperor Walrich's reign, the palace was renovated slightly and given to his wife, Queen Williamina. The queen used the palace as the base for the National Children's Education Foundation, which once housed a school.

After Emperor Alexander II ascended the throne, he moved the foundation elsewhere and moved into Rose Palace himself. This move was criticized until his death.

For Williamina, this sparkling white palace under the sunlight was beyond imagination, something that only existed in fairy tales. The palace was elegant and grand, not overly extravagant. The rose garden bloomed all year round, like a standard imperial lady, graceful and eternally beautiful.

The vehicle stopped in a small square, and Hans Bog led Williamina down from the floating car. Soldiers dressed in imperial guard uniforms saluted each other with Hans Bog. A steward dressed in a butler's attire walked over and half-knelt in front of Williamina.

"Good day, my lady. I hope you had a pleasant journey. I am the Deputy Steward of the Court, Rook. His Majesty is waiting for you."

He reached out to take Williamina's hand.

The child was startled, pulling away from him and hiding behind Hans Bog.

"It's okay, sweetheart." Hans Bog gently stroked the girl's soft hair with his slender, fair fingers, "Let's go meet your grandfather together."

Emperor Alexander II, the third emperor of the Galactic Empire, had just celebrated his seventieth birthday but lost his youngest son, causing his golden hair to lose its color entirely. To outsiders, he still stood tall, with a dignified demeanor and vigorous spirit. But when he saw his only granddaughter, his hardened expression began to soften.

"My poor child." Emperor Alexander sat on the velvet sofa, cradling Williamina on his lap, "You've grown, my sweetheart. You're a head taller than last year."

"Yes, Grandpa." Williamina answered cautiously, "Are you okay, Grandpa?"

"Of course, my dear, of course." Emperor Alexander lovingly stroked the child's soft golden hair, "I hope you'll like it here."

This short sentence subtly changed the expressions of the several children sitting beside him.

Williamina looked up innocently, saying, "Yes, I like it here. Hans Bog showed me the great waterfall."

The Emperor glanced up, acknowledging the young military officer standing in the corner with a nod.

"Good child, now let me take you to see your father," the Emperor said, getting up from his seat.

He led the way outside, and Williamina hurriedly followed his footsteps. Soon, a young maid came over and took Williamina's hand, preventing her from feeling too lonely and anxious.

Prince Adam was conferred as Prince of Roxton, and his second wife was the daughter of an imperial tycoon.

The prince and princess were both passionate about philanthropy and polo, with the prince often participating in matches himself.

The handsome prince wore riding attire, mounted on a steed, waving a polo mallet, smiling in the sunlight—until he leaned down to kiss the princess on horseback, only to be struck by a bullet.

A homemade, primitive pistol ended the lives of the prince and princess.

Williamina didn't remember much about her father's gallant riding anymore. Her impressions of her father were fading, frozen in a pale and silent close-up.

"Go and see your father," the Emperor pushed Williamina gently, "Be a brave child."

Williamina took a deep breath and slowly walked to the coffin.

Her father lay inside like a stranger, his eyes closed. His hands hung weakly, no longer able to lift her high as usual. His lips were cold, unable to kiss her, calling her "my little dove."

"Dad..." the child touched her father's face, "Say hello to Mom for me."

"Good girl." Emperor Alexander suddenly felt his nose tingling with emotion, for his youngest son and the daughter who lost both parents, "Let's go, we shouldn't disturb him."

This was an assassination case that shook the entire galaxy. The killer was the princess's former boyfriend from university, with the motive classified as revenge. But everyone knew things weren't so simple.

The tragic deaths of the prince and princess shook the court and the political situation, also shaking the familial relations of the royal family. However, the truth of the matter was not revealed by the royal family until Emperor Alexander's passing.

It was only after Williamina I ascended to the throne that she personally untied the scroll left by her grandfather. But that was many years later.