There's only six months left before the coming of age ceremony and this is how early people in the palace start to prepare. Jenny was also busy with fitting measurements and choosing dress designs, hairstyle and jewelries. It was her official social debut and she will be officially introduced as the princess for the first time in forever. The maids were especially excited to doll her up as she rarely wore fancy clothes for a royal. They took especially great care of her fairness since she gets scars and injuries as a knight. The maids always fill her in with the latest trends and topics amongst nobles so she's updated with the necessary teas. So once the ball is over, there would be a lot of gossips, scandals and marriage annoucements spreading in the newspapers across the empire. Once her identity is revealed, she's worried that her peers in the knight order may be disappointed with her and no longer treat her the same. Of course it's definitely not gonna be the same since they will serve her as their princess. Especially Eugene. She's afraid of him getting mad at her, at him possibly hating her for this. Looking back to her previous thoughts, the difference in status is not that much. He's a Marquess and she's a Princess (soulmates think alike). So if they were to marry it won't be a problem. But the thing is, does he like her enough to propose? What if his feelings are only fleeting and it was one sided afterall. She didn't want him to feel pressured about marrying her just because of his loyalty to his majesty and the kingdom since the emperor may suggest (or push) him to marry her once he knew of her feelings. And he'll have no choice but to respond positively. Although they are "close friends" now, a political marriage does not seem right. It does not sit well with her. It leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. But Eugene is not like that. He won't think that. She trusts him. Of course, he lived up to her expectations and the thought of a forced arranged marriage never crossed his mind. Now that he's certain of her feelings, he's now more confident. He continued his intial plan to court her officially after professing his love on the upcoming coming of age ceremony. No one would even suspect that he's quite a romantic so he's fully aware of the tradition and he has been looking forward to it ever since he was a child. That was so out of character of him. He's so full of surprises. He cheerfully came back on duty determined to continue pusuing her. He thought they'll be able to be more expressive after that one intimate evening they shared. Yet for some reason, Jenny is avoiding him. He tried to approach her in between work, but three days have passed and he still can't get a hold of her. As this keeps on happening, he observed that she was blushing whenever she ran away. Her ears and cheeks turn red. Everyday, the captain and the vice captain have their morning briefing first before the meeting with the order knight order. Jenny was standing in front of his desk, holding a few documents and started her report. She seems unbothered even though they are alone in the office during these meetings but he knows she's just putting on an act and was trying her best not to be conscious of him. She was scared he was gonna bring up that night so she kept on talking and did not let him speak so she can finish quickly and leave. Too occupied with her thoughts, she didn't noticed that Eugene was not sitting on his chair but was standing and leaning in front of his desk with arms crossed, quietly staring at her. When she looked up to him after finishing her speech, their eyes met, and he smiled as he seemed delighted she finally looked at him. Surprised by this, Jenny quickly turned away. Eugene frowned and thought this is enough. This has to end. He's getting impatient. So he walked towards her and leaned to meet her eyes again but Jenny felt he was about to open that topic so she turned away again and took a step back and quickly excused herself and ran to the door. He rushed to follow her and closed the door with both hands as soon as or even before she reaches the knob. She was now standing infront of the door locked between his arms. He pinned her through the door. He didn't let her escape. Jenny gasped and held her breath as he was standing behind him again. It was not a backhug this time but the proximity of her back and his chest were so close she thought she can feel his breathing and hear his heart beating. There were rumors circulating that the captain doesn't remember anything the next morning after drinking but that does not seem to be the case at all. It gives her the impression that he's doing this to make fun of her reactions. That he was teasing her. He smirked and asked her why she was avoiding him. Jenny kept quite and let him pour out his feelings of frustration. He paused and waited for her to respond but since it looks like she doesn't have any intention to reply, he continued wih his monologue. He made it clear that his past actions were not a drunken mistake and that he was always sincere. At first he thought her avoidance was adorable and indeed there moments he flirted with her to tease her but he didn't made fun of her reactions. He told her he understands if she not yet ready to talk about everything so he will stop making forward advances as he didn't want to impose and make her uncomfortable. He wanted to touch her but it would be disrespectful and imprudent. He already got away with the backhug before but he knows that it will not happen a second time. As a gentleman he must know his boundaries. .A lady must give her permission and consent to a gentleman afterall. Otherwise it would be scandalous. So this time, it was him pulling away. Eugene told her he'll wait for her. Before he released his arms and let her go, he begged her not to avoid him anymore. Jenny slowly looked back slightly and she once again saw his pained expression she saw that night as he turned around to compose himself. She didn't have enough time to react and process this as they both needed to leave for the meeting.