It was Eugene's second term as a captain in The Ivory Aspirants (white knight order). Traditionally, a competition is held every year but this current batch is different as the knights unanimously voted for him. The comptetition still went on as usual but they decided to put off the changing of captains until Eugene's coming of age. It was different for Jenny, however, since she had to defend her title as the vice captain. Eugene found her admirable and endearing for this. During the years they spent apart, she came to his mind from time to time which eventually became a source of strength. He was quite delighted at their reunion last year since he noticed that she improved and grew up a lot. He found her beautiful during their sparring competition for the captain position. He realized that she was not a young girl anymore and she has now became a lady. To his surprise, Jenny didn't asked for petty fights anymore which made him a bit lonely. He kinda missed their banters before. But of course, they are no longer children. It's normal for a captain and vice captain to be seen always together, but after work hours, he unknowingly looked for her presence. He was confused by the emptiness he felt. And recently, he felt her being more distant by the day. It's like she keeps herself at an arm's length and there an invisible line which he cannot cross. She created a wall between them. Well, it's not her fault and who's to blame that the years that have past they were apart were long. He realized that he really didn't know her well on a personal level. Then he began to become curious and interested of her. This time, it was him initiating conversations and asking random topics to subtly know her likes and dislikes, favorites, what they have in common and not, similarities and differences in views or beliefs. Jenny was taken aback and bewildered by his sudden change of attitude but she diligently and patiently answered his queries and shared things about herself. Vice versa, she also learned many things about him. She secretly enjoyed this and liked the idea of them getting closer. Eugene did that for a year and now, the relationship was upgraded to the next level called "friends" . Now age 17 and 20, they even hang out on their days off that may come off as a date in other people's eyes. They went to many places and did many fun activities together. They went shopping together chose and bought clothes for each otheer, ate at famous and newly opened restaurants, horseback riding, sparring, practising, learning and teaching new skills from and to each other, watched operas and concerts, and many more. But with Eugene as a notable figure, they needed to disguise whenever they went out. One fine day, they attended the last day of the summer festival in town. Luckily, they were both coincidentally off duty that day like it wasn't even intentionally planned. It might be a bit of abuse in authority though. After all this time, Jenny found disguising ridiculous like why would they need to even go that far to do that. She felt like they are just normal people like everybodyelse. With so many people, who would even bother to notice and recognize them. Eugene jokingly said she just doesn't know how scary his fan club is. But seriously, there are many eyes watching and he's just trying to protect her honor as a gentleman. It suddenly occurred to her of the reality. They are not normal people. Especially her. She also realized that outings like this may have consequences for an unmarried noble lady. Unwanted rumors may taint her reputation that will affect her marriage prospects. She shuddered at the thought of how frightening high society can be as it can ruin a person, especially a lady. Speaking of disguise, Jenny is also concealing her real identity as a princess. So how did she manage to enroll in the academy without anyone knowing her status? She didn't have a backer to pull strings behind the scenes or bribed or blackmailed or conspired with the principal. No one in the whole school is aware of who she is. Not a single soul. Her eldest brother, First Prince Claude de Valois was the one who arranged for her to borrow Paula's, his childhood friend and her lady-in-waiting's family name, the Russell Viscounty. In guise of being Paula's cousin, she was able to enter the academy swiftly without any problems. Afterall the Russell family is known for being excellent servants in noble houses. So if gossip spread about her, the Russell family will be in jeopardy. She didn't want to be a burden the family who lent their precious name to her. Besides, she values Paula whom she considers a trusted confidant she can rely on as she understands her well. The most recent date was cut short because of this sudden realization and she felt like it was a wakeup call for her. She made an excuse saying she's not feeling well. Worried, Eugene offered to accompany her home but she had to keep her secret and she feels suffocated with his company right now. She felt too comfortable laying her whole self bare in front of him. She told herself that Eugene is only treating her as a friend because that is what they only are and she should not expect anything more than that. It will be asking for too much of him. He's just a nice person and will treat everyone the same. He does not have feelings for her. She may be having too much fun that she's forgetting her place and her status. In this relationship, Eugene inferior to her. A Princess is higher than a Marquess and she doesn't want to pressure him with her feelings. There are so many beautiful ladies out there who admire him and what she had was only a princess title, a power which can entrap him. These thoughts were clouding her head. Some of them are indeed factual and some of them are exagerated with her overthinking. She collapsed to her bed as soon as she arrived in her room. Due to exhaustion and fatigue, she fell asleep right away. The night is still young and long. She hoped that a better tommorow comes and that everything will eventually be alright.