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It was not uncommon for monarchies to be revived after revolutions.
In some cases, the royalists and republicans won, while in others, the military eliminated the opposition and installed a King.
There were also cases where the people revolted against the incompetence of the revolutionary forces or authoritarian politics, wand anted a monarchy again.
However, within Padania, the forces of the restoration were virtually crushed. This was thanks to the abilities of Padania's commander-in-chief, Heiner Valdemar.
Sometimes, one outstanding talent can lead an era.
Heiner solved the problems that inevitably arise after a revolution, such as the chaos and conflict, internal strife within the revolutionary forces, and the entrenchment of dictatorship, in a fairly idealistic way.
At this point, Heiner was practically a figurehead in Padania. Under these circumstances, the royalists, unable to exert any influence on the national mood, were forced to make only small, if any, moves abroad.
'If they are in exile in France, it is highly likely that they will receive help from outside forces to restore the monarchy.'
Annette wasn't familiar with international affairs, so she couldn't deduce anything further. But this much was clear.
'My father was the nephew of King Piete. I am of royal blood...'
If necessary, it will be used as a means of restoring the monarchy.
A cold chill settled over her. There must already be several exiled royals, so why would they reach out to her? She couldn't figure out the details.
Whatever it was, she couldn't accept Ansgar's words with complete good intentions. In the past, she would have been overjoyed by the helping hand from her old friend, but not anymore.
Annette turned away from the door and walked away. The business card crumpled slightly in her hand. Her blue eyes took on a slightly cool glow.
“Take my hand, Annette.”
"Well."
Annette checked the list of donations and the comparison chart. Her slender fingers slowly traced the numbers.
Overseeing donations and sponsorships in the name of a civic group was one of the tasks she took on after getting married.
After the revolution, Annette's name was officially removed from this work. However, she still performed the final inspection, as no one else was willing to take on this daunting task.
Annette could truly pride herself on handling this matter cleanly and transparently, even if no one noticed.
[We must fulfill our duty. All of you listening to this radio now are enlightened and have unhindered access to information. Your government does not censor the information coming to you...]
Tak.
Annette finished reviewing the documents and turned off the radio. Her head started pounding again. She opened the window to ventilate the room, but the headache persisted.
Annette put on a shawl and went out into the garden. Lately, she'd been walking for more than an hour a day, following her doctor's recommendation. It wasn't for health reasons, but to avoid being called lazy.
Annette, who had been circling the garden, quickly grew tired. Lately, her body really wasn't what it used to be. When did it start? ... She tried to recall her memories and then stopped.
Annette sat on a bench in front of the fountain. The afternoon sunlight made her feel drowsy. The water pouring from the fountain sparkled in the light. Amidst that peace, a comfortable smile spread across her face.
Ah.
I'd be okay with dying like this.
A thought suddenly occurred to her. Annette had always wanted to die whenever and wherever she chose. "It's here now," she thought.
Isn't it strange? Her breath keeps getting longer without her permission.
Annette closed her eyes, breathing in and out slowly and shallowly. The breath felt uncomfortable and foreign.
Suddenly, a murmur of voices came from behind. It sounded familiar. Annette opened her eyes and turned around.
A man and a woman were walking down the hallway connecting the main building of the official residence and the secretary's office. The tall, slender man was Major Eugen, and the woman standing next to him was...
'Annely Engels?'
The moment she realized it, the woman looked this way. Annette remained silent, not averting her gaze. Major Eugen, who had been speaking nearby, turned his head to follow Annelie.
Major Eugen frowned as soon as he saw Annette. Annely looked slightly surprised. After a brief conversation with the major, Annelie approached Annette.
Annely's stride was long and confident. She quickly reached Annette and greeted her with a rather gentle tone.
“Hello, ma’am.”
"... Yes."
“This is our first meeting.”
"Yes."
It was her first time meeting Annely in person. She knew her face from the newspapers, though.
However, Annette couldn't figure out why Annely was talking to her. Their relationship was one where even empty words couldn't bring them closer.
The fallen aristocracy and the revolutionary army weren't the only issues. Annely had publicly proposed marriage to Heiner. Annette was Heiner's wife.
No matter how abnormal this marriage was, it was bound to be a strained relationship.
“Do you have a moment? Can I talk to you?”
“...Yes.”
With Annette's permission, Annely gestured to Major Eugen to leave. Major Eugen, with a look of displeasure, disappeared.
Annette stared at his back.
'Were Major Eugen and Annely Engels acquainted?'
Perhaps it was only natural. Major Eugen was Heiner's confidant. He could have been Annely's colleague during their time in the revolutionary army.
Whatever it was, it was clear that Annely would not be kind to her.
Annely asked with a smile.
"I've always wanted to meet you, and now we're meeting like this. Should we sit here and talk? Or we can walk."
“Please sit down.”
“Thank you. Your garden is really pretty. I guess you take good care of it.”
“It’s not something I manage.”
“Oh, I see. I heard Madam used to manage it...”
“It was a long time ago.”
Annette responded with a stern tone. She didn't feel the need to engage in a friendly conversation with Annely.
“...How is life at the official residence? I heard you avoid going out.”
“I’m just staying quiet.”
"You seem like a quiet person. Honestly, I'd only seen you in the newspaper, so I didn't expect you to be like that."
“Is that so?”
Annely chuckled awkwardly, seemingly at a loss for words. An awkward silence fell. Annette spoke with a blank expression.
"Miss Annely, I'm sure you didn't come here just to check on me. If you have anything to say, please feel free to do so."
Annelie's lips closed and parted, seemingly taken aback by the direct words. After a moment's hesitation, she finally opened her mouth, seemingly determined.
“Madam, I heard you asked for a divorce.”
“Is that what my husband said?”
"No, Major Eugen said so. His Excellency doesn't agree to a divorce... I heard the reason, too. But I wasn't convinced."
“But?”
“Actually, I don’t like Madam.”
“...”
"It's almost like I dislike you. I'm sure he does too. Thinking about what Margrave Dietrich did and what you enjoyed under him makes me shudder. I also respect His Excellency as a person. I don't think you're suited to be next to him."
The words flowed out one after another, as if they had been holding back. Annette quietly observed the fountain's gushing water. Beside her, Annely sighed softly.
"...This concludes my statement. Publicly, His Excellency and I must arrange a marriage to keep the moderate Republicans and liberals in check. Madam, you may not be aware, but the international situation has been unsettling. First, we need to sort things out internally within Padania. If war breaks out, it's for the sake of easy conscription."
“The divorce issue.”
Annette's voice came out slightly hoarse. She cleared her throat briefly and continued.
"I think it's best to go and talk to my husband about that matter. It's no longer my authority."
“Madam, I am giving you a warning.”
Only then did Annette face Annely. Annely's face was still gentle.
"His Excellency is taking a loss for this marriage, but what if that loss becomes too great? Of course, we can't attack you. And we don't intend to."
“...”
“Remember, Madam has many enemies.”
Annette easily understood what Annely meant.
The easiest way to obtain a divorce through trial is to create a justification for one party's fault. This is something the revolutionary army, parliament, and the media have been very good at doing.
Bringing Annette down to the point where Heiner can't afford the damage.
“Miss Annely, I know you used me in your public opinion war.”
Annette looked straight into Annely's red eyes and said.
"At first, I felt wronged. Everything, even things I'd never heard of before, was being blamed on me. I wanted to explain myself. I wanted revenge."
“That all completely never happened...”
"People with mental illness firmly believe they're not crazy, right? I wonder if I'm the same way. I'm indeed completely wrong, but I'm the only one who's crazy and believes in my innocence. Right? If the whole world says the same thing, then I'm obviously wrong."
“...”
"At the point when those thoughts started to creep in... I lost all will to explain myself or seek revenge. I don't blame you. I understand why you did it. I respect your cause. I'm serious."
Annely's pupils fluttered as if she'd heard something so unexpected. Annette looked back at the fountain. The towering water stream crashed down, a white cascade.
"Miss Annely, as I said, divorce is no longer within my jurisdiction. But I understand what you're saying. Don't worry too much."
A stream of water rises, catches the light from a high place, and falls.
Annette slowly rose from the bench. Standing with her back to the light, she looked down at Annely, declaring.
“...This marriage will soon end.”
Annette smiled quietly in the shadows.
In some cases, the royalists and republicans won, while in others, the military eliminated the opposition and installed a King.
There were also cases where the people revolted against the incompetence of the revolutionary forces or authoritarian politics, wand anted a monarchy again.
However, within Padania, the forces of the restoration were virtually crushed. This was thanks to the abilities of Padania's commander-in-chief, Heiner Valdemar.
Sometimes, one outstanding talent can lead an era.
Heiner solved the problems that inevitably arise after a revolution, such as the chaos and conflict, internal strife within the revolutionary forces, and the entrenchment of dictatorship, in a fairly idealistic way.
At this point, Heiner was practically a figurehead in Padania. Under these circumstances, the royalists, unable to exert any influence on the national mood, were forced to make only small, if any, moves abroad.
'If they are in exile in France, it is highly likely that they will receive help from outside forces to restore the monarchy.'
Annette wasn't familiar with international affairs, so she couldn't deduce anything further. But this much was clear.
'My father was the nephew of King Piete. I am of royal blood...'
If necessary, it will be used as a means of restoring the monarchy.
A cold chill settled over her. There must already be several exiled royals, so why would they reach out to her? She couldn't figure out the details.
Whatever it was, she couldn't accept Ansgar's words with complete good intentions. In the past, she would have been overjoyed by the helping hand from her old friend, but not anymore.
Annette turned away from the door and walked away. The business card crumpled slightly in her hand. Her blue eyes took on a slightly cool glow.
“Take my hand, Annette.”
"Well."
***
Annette checked the list of donations and the comparison chart. Her slender fingers slowly traced the numbers.
Overseeing donations and sponsorships in the name of a civic group was one of the tasks she took on after getting married.
After the revolution, Annette's name was officially removed from this work. However, she still performed the final inspection, as no one else was willing to take on this daunting task.
Annette could truly pride herself on handling this matter cleanly and transparently, even if no one noticed.
[We must fulfill our duty. All of you listening to this radio now are enlightened and have unhindered access to information. Your government does not censor the information coming to you...]
Tak.
Annette finished reviewing the documents and turned off the radio. Her head started pounding again. She opened the window to ventilate the room, but the headache persisted.
Annette put on a shawl and went out into the garden. Lately, she'd been walking for more than an hour a day, following her doctor's recommendation. It wasn't for health reasons, but to avoid being called lazy.
Annette, who had been circling the garden, quickly grew tired. Lately, her body really wasn't what it used to be. When did it start? ... She tried to recall her memories and then stopped.
Annette sat on a bench in front of the fountain. The afternoon sunlight made her feel drowsy. The water pouring from the fountain sparkled in the light. Amidst that peace, a comfortable smile spread across her face.
Ah.
I'd be okay with dying like this.
A thought suddenly occurred to her. Annette had always wanted to die whenever and wherever she chose. "It's here now," she thought.
Isn't it strange? Her breath keeps getting longer without her permission.
Annette closed her eyes, breathing in and out slowly and shallowly. The breath felt uncomfortable and foreign.
Suddenly, a murmur of voices came from behind. It sounded familiar. Annette opened her eyes and turned around.
A man and a woman were walking down the hallway connecting the main building of the official residence and the secretary's office. The tall, slender man was Major Eugen, and the woman standing next to him was...
'Annely Engels?'
The moment she realized it, the woman looked this way. Annette remained silent, not averting her gaze. Major Eugen, who had been speaking nearby, turned his head to follow Annelie.
Major Eugen frowned as soon as he saw Annette. Annely looked slightly surprised. After a brief conversation with the major, Annelie approached Annette.
Annely's stride was long and confident. She quickly reached Annette and greeted her with a rather gentle tone.
“Hello, ma’am.”
"... Yes."
“This is our first meeting.”
"Yes."
It was her first time meeting Annely in person. She knew her face from the newspapers, though.
However, Annette couldn't figure out why Annely was talking to her. Their relationship was one where even empty words couldn't bring them closer.
The fallen aristocracy and the revolutionary army weren't the only issues. Annely had publicly proposed marriage to Heiner. Annette was Heiner's wife.
No matter how abnormal this marriage was, it was bound to be a strained relationship.
“Do you have a moment? Can I talk to you?”
“...Yes.”
With Annette's permission, Annely gestured to Major Eugen to leave. Major Eugen, with a look of displeasure, disappeared.
Annette stared at his back.
'Were Major Eugen and Annely Engels acquainted?'
Perhaps it was only natural. Major Eugen was Heiner's confidant. He could have been Annely's colleague during their time in the revolutionary army.
Whatever it was, it was clear that Annely would not be kind to her.
Annely asked with a smile.
"I've always wanted to meet you, and now we're meeting like this. Should we sit here and talk? Or we can walk."
“Please sit down.”
“Thank you. Your garden is really pretty. I guess you take good care of it.”
“It’s not something I manage.”
“Oh, I see. I heard Madam used to manage it...”
“It was a long time ago.”
Annette responded with a stern tone. She didn't feel the need to engage in a friendly conversation with Annely.
“...How is life at the official residence? I heard you avoid going out.”
“I’m just staying quiet.”
"You seem like a quiet person. Honestly, I'd only seen you in the newspaper, so I didn't expect you to be like that."
“Is that so?”
Annely chuckled awkwardly, seemingly at a loss for words. An awkward silence fell. Annette spoke with a blank expression.
"Miss Annely, I'm sure you didn't come here just to check on me. If you have anything to say, please feel free to do so."
Annelie's lips closed and parted, seemingly taken aback by the direct words. After a moment's hesitation, she finally opened her mouth, seemingly determined.
“Madam, I heard you asked for a divorce.”
“Is that what my husband said?”
"No, Major Eugen said so. His Excellency doesn't agree to a divorce... I heard the reason, too. But I wasn't convinced."
“But?”
“Actually, I don’t like Madam.”
“...”
"It's almost like I dislike you. I'm sure he does too. Thinking about what Margrave Dietrich did and what you enjoyed under him makes me shudder. I also respect His Excellency as a person. I don't think you're suited to be next to him."
The words flowed out one after another, as if they had been holding back. Annette quietly observed the fountain's gushing water. Beside her, Annely sighed softly.
"...This concludes my statement. Publicly, His Excellency and I must arrange a marriage to keep the moderate Republicans and liberals in check. Madam, you may not be aware, but the international situation has been unsettling. First, we need to sort things out internally within Padania. If war breaks out, it's for the sake of easy conscription."
“The divorce issue.”
Annette's voice came out slightly hoarse. She cleared her throat briefly and continued.
"I think it's best to go and talk to my husband about that matter. It's no longer my authority."
“Madam, I am giving you a warning.”
Only then did Annette face Annely. Annely's face was still gentle.
"His Excellency is taking a loss for this marriage, but what if that loss becomes too great? Of course, we can't attack you. And we don't intend to."
“...”
“Remember, Madam has many enemies.”
Annette easily understood what Annely meant.
The easiest way to obtain a divorce through trial is to create a justification for one party's fault. This is something the revolutionary army, parliament, and the media have been very good at doing.
Bringing Annette down to the point where Heiner can't afford the damage.
“Miss Annely, I know you used me in your public opinion war.”
Annette looked straight into Annely's red eyes and said.
"At first, I felt wronged. Everything, even things I'd never heard of before, was being blamed on me. I wanted to explain myself. I wanted revenge."
“That all completely never happened...”
"People with mental illness firmly believe they're not crazy, right? I wonder if I'm the same way. I'm indeed completely wrong, but I'm the only one who's crazy and believes in my innocence. Right? If the whole world says the same thing, then I'm obviously wrong."
“...”
"At the point when those thoughts started to creep in... I lost all will to explain myself or seek revenge. I don't blame you. I understand why you did it. I respect your cause. I'm serious."
Annely's pupils fluttered as if she'd heard something so unexpected. Annette looked back at the fountain. The towering water stream crashed down, a white cascade.
"Miss Annely, as I said, divorce is no longer within my jurisdiction. But I understand what you're saying. Don't worry too much."
A stream of water rises, catches the light from a high place, and falls.
Annette slowly rose from the bench. Standing with her back to the light, she looked down at Annely, declaring.
“...This marriage will soon end.”
Annette smiled quietly in the shadows.
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