For those looking for action, I'm afraid you'll have to wait a very long while. The first and second arc are very much a slow burn, so it'll be some time before you see Pyrrha kicking ass and taking names. Fortunately, said arcs are gonna be pretty short and last a couple of chapters.

Sorry for the long wait, everyone. This chapter really kicked my ass, namely in how I wanted to present Vyline. Hopefully I've done her character justice.

On a side note, a fresh reminder that I now have a book published and available on Amazon. If you are interested in supporting me financially and keep me from losing house and home, please consider buying "Chase Ryder and the City of Lost Memories" (not to be confused with the dog lover book series of the same name by Jo Ho). It is available for kindle, paperback, and hardcover. I recommend kindle and paperback as they're the cheapest.

With my shill out of the way, ON WITH THE SHOW!

-Adolescence of Innocence-
Chapter II: Vy

Day 21 of Fifth Moon Cycle
Year 1914

Pyrrha was leaving the palace for the first time today.

Part of her felt excited. One of her goals was coming to fruition, and it was all thanks to Vyline, her first friend in this new life. Their first playdate went off without a hitch, and the two remained in contact almost regularly. Her father was obviously happy with this new development, especially when Pyrrha made a point to mention Vyline's aspirations and their shared desire to study under the Captain of the Guard when they were old enough. Duke Randell offered no comment about Vyline's goal in life, so she assumed he was either aware or just learned of it and approved.

Three months passed since their first meeting, and now Vyline offered to invite her to the Randell estate. Pyrrha pounced on the offer immediately, both eager to leave her stuffy palace lodgings and see the sights along the way. She was also curious to see what Vyline's adoptive family was like. Her friend gave scant details about her sister beyond an annoyed expression, but the whispers of Duke Randell's wife were common to hear from the staff whenever the woman came for court matters and politics. Supposedly she was the unofficial spymaster of the Maple Leaf Kingdom, despite the position already filled by another member of King August's court.

If there was one downside to this trip, it was the maids fussing over her and making her look presentable. It was equal parts mortifying, annoying, and shocking. While Pyrrha was no stranger to being fawn over and carefully having to choose her attire because of sponsorships and magazine shoots, not to mention public reception, she was not used to other people being so pushy in what she wore. Even her agents had better manners, and they never manhandled her as the maids had, nor had they bickered about what kinds of dresses she should wear.

It was like dealing with seven different versions of her mother back on Remnant, only worse.

It would be an hour before Pyrrha was on the carriage bound for the Randell estate, accompanied by one of the knights. Pyrrha thought she saw all the knights with how often she visited the training grounds, but the man accompanying her was someone she hadn't seen before.

"Is everything alright, Your Highness?"

Pyrrha tried very hard not to stare but found herself failing. She squirmed in her seat, attempting to distract herself with thoughts about Vyline and how adorable she would look in gothic Lolita-style dresses, only to look back at her escort and wonder if this was Sileos' way of playing a cruel joke.

"It's nothing, Jonathan," Pyrrha lied with a fake smile.

The resemblance was uncanny. He looked like an older version of Jaune, almost identical were it not for the navy blue eyes and the lighter shade of his hair, much less the length. He wore his hair in a lion's ponytail, neatly held in place by a dark-green ribbon.

He also looked drop-dead handsome.

I bet Jaune would look that good in a few years, Pyrrha thought to herself, wincing and mentally cursing herself for thinking depressing thoughts at the reminder of her rather 'unpleasant' demise.

Jonathan Geland did not seem convinced, but he at least seemed to understand his presence somehow made her feel uncomfortable. It made her feel bad and all the more awkward, so she wisely decided to start a conversation. "I'm sorry if this sounds rude, but I don't think I've seen you in the palace before."

"I've been away on a mission near the western coastline," Jonathan said. "Some trouble with pirates, but nothing really troublesome. The real problem came with the civil unrest. A lot of people are worried about what's happening in the Isle of Waking."

"That's where the Alliance of Demi-Humans is, right?" He nodded.

The Alliance of Demi-Humans, as its name implied, was a coalition of three different races, all human in appearance but to varying degrees. While humans lived and were part of the Alliance, they were relatively small in number compared to the three races that founded it. The Erdite were said to be extraordinarily long-lived and Ignisters of unmatched caliber, recognizable for their silvery-white hair and long ears. The Bruni, short in stature, were master craftsmen, akin to the dwarves Pyrrha often read in fantasy novels Weiss recommended to her. The Chimerans were the Faunus of Sileos, possessing animalistic features, but possessing multiple traits rather than a single one.

Pyrrha had yet to meet any Bruni, but she knew they were about as tall as toddlers and dangerous with a hammer. An Erdite served as her teacher in mathematics and basic Ignis studies, and Chimerans were commonplace around the palace, either serving as mercenaries under the employ of nobles or part of the castle guard. Captain Rathan was one such Chimeran, with wild hair resembling a lion's mane and sporting an extra set of ears as well as a tail. Fortunately, the Chimerans were as discriminated against as much as the other Demi-Human races, which was almost nil.

Pyrrha imagined Blake might enjoy Sileos for that alone. That, and the rather amazing seafood.

"Is something bad happening over there?"

Jonathan smiled in a way that did not seem convincing. "Oh, don't worry. It's nothing they can't handle, though I imagine the Empire might get involved." To her disappointment, Jonathan said nothing more. She would likely learn more in her studies, but confound it, she wished she had more context! "By the way, princess, the captain tells me you and Lady Vyline want to study under him?"

Pyrrha grinned widely. "Why wouldn't I? He's the strongest warrior in the kingdom. I'm certain there is a lot I could learn from him."

"On that, we are in agreement. I'll warn you ahead of time, though, the man is a slave driver and disgustingly brutal in his lessons. I'm his one and only apprentice, and he practically runs me into the ground. The men have it worse with the drills he makes us run."

She would have pressed for more details had she not seen their destination appearing in the distance. It was easy to find even from the carriage and amid the myriad of buildings, given that the household was located atop a hill overlooking the whole town. It was not as grand as the palace, although that was a given since Oakhaven was home to royalty. It was not Vyline's home that drew Pyrrha's attention, however. Instead, she looked to the castle town of Elibas down below the hill. Countless buildings, big and small, all bunched up around green hills. Much of the castle town seemed centralized around the center, where a towering sculpture stood for all to see. A man clad in armor and a billowing cape, sword in the ground and both hands atop the pommel.

"Who's that?" Pyrrha asked Jonathan, pointing at the statue.

The knight peered outside the carriage window and smiled. "That's a statue of King Wingard II von Flugal, nephew of the Founding King Arthur. Elibas was where he was born and raised before he was anointed as king, and after the civil war, King Akilles von Estelise commissioned a statue in the honor of his predecessors."

The civil war Jonathan spoke of was during the earliest years of Sileos' known history. Back then, the Maple Leaf Kingdom was a fledgling country with only three rulers to its name; Founding King Arthur von Flugal, his nephew Wingard II, and his son Wingard III. The last one was known to rule with an iron fist and refused to bow to the Rykard Republic, the most powerful nation and the dominant power in the Isles at the time. Wingard III's rule was unpopular, to say the least, primarily driven by power and partly out of fear of the Rykard subsuming it. People initially rallied under Wingard III's campaign against the Rykard Republic, but when it became brutal and the king began conscripting ordinary civilians, tunes started changing.

The Flugal's bloodline would meet its end at the hands of a lowborn noble named Christophe Felwin Ternal, a man driven by his desire and duty to protect the people. With the public and secret backing of the Rykard Republic, Christophe led a coup against Wingard III. The coup was successful, though contrary to people's fears at the time, the Republic allowed Maple Leaf autonomy under the condition they named the kingdom's new sovereign.

Akilles von Estelise, Pyrrha's ancestor and successor to the Flugals, was known for creating the foundation for the Maple Leaf in the present day. Through his efforts, even commoners could rise above their stations, and even become nobles. The Randells were one such family, originally little more than bankers until the Maple-Iron Three Century War where they garnered prestige for their efforts in ensuring the kingdom's economy didn't collapse during the war. They asked little in return for their services, and by luck one member of their family grew to become a shrewd tactician, winning many battles and honors. Eventually, the ruling king at the time elevated the family to noble status.

In the present day, the Randells were a stalwart ally to the royal family and Duke Randell himself was a close aide and confidant to Regent Septem von Estelise.

I wonder how Vyline was adopted by them, Pyrrha thought curiously. She wondered whether to ask Vyline about her circumstances, but thought against it. She did not want to alienate her very first friend in this new life of hers.

"What was King Wingard II like?" Pyrrha asked. "I know he was Founding King Arthur's nephew, but not much else."

"That's because his reign was short compared to his son's," Jonathan explained. "King Wingard II succeeded the Founding King after the latter's death. At the time there were worries of a succession crisis since Arthur had no children, and his brother was considered the black sheep of the family. Initially, people assumed Arthur's brother would become king, but sometime after the Founding King's death, his aides discovered his will. In it, Arthur named his nephew heir and successor to the throne. Wingard II's rule lasted only fifteen years, dying a few days before courts learned his consort was pregnant. His father, Abelast von Flugal, reigned as Regent until he passed away from old age."

"And Wingard III took the throne shortly after, becoming king at 16 years old," Pyrrha finished, remembering her studies. "I remember that, at least."

Jonathan nodded. "While his reign was short, Wingard II was a beloved ruler. It's said he often visited Elibas and personally funded the festivals there." The young knight sighed. "It's a shame his son couldn't follow his example."

Pyrrha nodded somberly in agreement.

The carriage arrived at Castle Thulwin not long afterward. The coachman whipped the carriage to a stop, causing the horses to halt. Jonathan disembarked first, opening the door and stepping out. Once he took a quick glance at his surroundings, he offered a hand and a winning smile. "After you, milady."

Pyrrha avoided his gaze, biting the inside of her cheek. Once more, Jaune's face came to her mind. She schooled her features quickly and took his hand, gently stepping out of the carriage.

Duke Randell stood waiting for her at the entrance with an entourage of butlers and maids. By his feet were his daughters, and right behind him was a woman in a dark-blue and black dress with thin frills and elbow-length gloves.

It was easy to guess who the woman was, none other than the infamous Duchess Meldia von Randell, and she recognized Vyline easily enough. Pyrrha presumed the other girl, slightly taller than her with tomboyish short hair, was Vyline's older sister and Randell's birth daughter Arya von Randell. In contrast to Duke Randell and Vyline, Arya's eyes were a cool, deep blue instead of brown.

Duke Randell swept into a bow, his servants and family following after him. "Your Royal Highness," he began respectfully. "It is an honor to invite you here to our humble abode. Although it pales in comparison to the Oakhaven Palace, please rest assured we of Castle Thulwin will serve you to the best of our abilities."

"I am Meldia von Randell," the Duchess introduced herself kindly. Her smile reminded Pyrrha of her mother. "It's an honor to have you in our home."

Pyrrha curtsied and bowed her head in greeting. "The pleasure is mine, Duchess," she said before looking at Vyline. She wisely chose to restrain herself, recalling the lessons her tutor pounded into her head about etiquette. "It's nice to see you again, Vyline."

Vyline blushed and found the ground more interesting. "It-it's nice to see you again as well, Your Highness," she said shyly.

"Hi there!" the girl next to Vyline said happily, strutting up to Pyrrha and extending a hand. "I'm Arya! Nice to meet you, princess!"

The air turned cold and Pyrrha felt as though the end of the world had come.

"Arya." The Duchess' voice was harsh, each word dripping with promises of pain and agony. "What have I told you about greeting others? And speaking so casually to the princess no less?"

"Eep!"

Duke Randell laughed awkwardly. "C-come now, my dear. Perhaps tone it down a little? We are in the presence of her highness. No need to make a shameful display here…"

Meldia turned her glare to her husband, the man shirking away and folding in on himself. It did not take a genius to realize who wore the pants in the relationship. Although fascinated by the exchange and power displayed before her, Pyrrha felt bad for the duke and decided to come to his rescue.

"It's fine, Lady Meldia," she assured the woman. "I take no offense. I see no reason why they should be so restrained. Please treat me as you would any guest. I am not my father, after all."

Meldia frowned, looking to argue with the same strict expression her teachers had, but obviously thought against it. She was, after all, talking to the princess. She reluctantly pulled back and sighed, the pressure drop significantly. Both Arya and Duke Randell sighed in relief, the latter all but slumping.

The welcoming act into Castle Thulwin was as tiring as Pyrrha expected, not helped by Arya's motormouth. She was like a younger version of Nora, only more tomboyish. Since her mother was not present the young heir likely thought she could act as she pleased without the duchess hanging over her, giving her free reign to drag the red-haired girl and Vyline around the house as part of the grand tour. The servants all smiled, clearly amused.

That traitorous Jonathan did nothing to lift a finger to help, either. Not even after Pyrrha shot him a pleading look.

Bastard.

"I'll be right back!" Arya said after bringing Pyrrha and Vyline to her room. "I'll go get us some snacks!" Before Pyrrha could tell her she was fine and she didn't need anything, the girl ran out of the room.

"I'm very sorry about her, my lady," Vyline sighed in exasperation. "You would not think she was the heir of House Randell with how she acts."

Pyrrha chuckled awkwardly. "I-I suppose not…"

Her initial thoughts about Arya Esther Estelise were completely off the mark. Contrary to what she believed based on Vyline's words about her, there did not appear to be any kind of antagonistic relationship between them. She seemed gung-ho and hyper, acting like a child her age should. She did act like a noble at times, but she did so with such rigidness that Pyrrha wondered if she was like Vyline and wanted to be something other than a noble. Perhaps she was like her, finding the constraints of noble society and etiquette to be a bore.

At the very least, Arya was like any girl her age should be. She had an unhealthy obsession with the color pink; the walls, the bedsheets, pillowcases, drapes, and even the carpet were pink. There was also an assortment of dolls, all in different styles of clothing. One such article caught her attention as it reminded her of the traditional Mistralian style she used to wear in her younger years.

"I'm glad she's not what I thought she would be like," Pyrrha said suddenly. Vyline stared at her in confusion. "From what you said when you came to the palace, I thought she hated you."

Vyline looked stricken. "O-oh, no, it's nothing like that! Arya's always been so welcoming like father, a-and invites me to some social gatherings and the like. It's just, sometimes she…" She shook her head. "She's supposed to be the heir of the household, but she just acts so childishly. Mother tries to straighten her out, but father spoils her rotten like she has him wrapped around her finger."

"Is that such a bad thing?"

"I'm just worried about how it'll look to the other nobles," Vyline frowned. "House Randell's already being looked at with scrutiny because they adopted me. I don't want them to be in even more trouble because of Arya's selfishness."

Pyrrha wondered what she meant by that. Given how even lowborn citizens could eventually become nobility, a noble house adopting a child off the streets shouldn't be any trouble. Most of the noble houses in King August's court came from common-born backgrounds. There shouldn't be any problems for House Randell adopting Vyline, not unless the problem came from who her birth parents were. She was almost tempted to ask Vyline, but she did not want to risk alienating her first friend.

If Vyline wanted to talk about her past, she would be the one to tell her. Pyrrha would not pry the answer from her.

"…so," Wanting to change the subject before the atmosphere became too uncomfortable, Pyrrha leaned forward, calling upon her past experiences in Remnant with Nora and Yang. "What kind of boys do you like?"

Arya arrived at the exact moment Vyline made the most adorable squawk, face bright red.

Pyrrha von Estelise was not at all what Vyline imagined.

When Duke Randell told her she was to be the royal playmate, she did not know what to think. Most children her age would be excited at the prospect of being friends with the princess, but Vyline was not 'most children'. She was not a prodigy in the way of academics or the blade, but she was smarter than most children and knew her adoption brought the Randells nothing but trouble. She heard the occasional whispers, the dirty glares some nobles sent her way during the extravagant parties and galas her father was asked to attend.

It was not so much the adoption of a child of unknown background that brought the Randells such scrutiny, but rather her heritage. Her hair and eye color were the same as the Duke's, but her features were different. She looked close to being of Maple Leaf descent, but the curve of her chin and dusky complexion were the features of Rediron folk. That her features resembled those of the Kingdom's former enemy was more than enough reason to lambast House Randell.

Vyline once asked why the Duke adopted her if he knew she was of Rediron heritage. The Duke wore a somber face then, saying her mother left her at his doorstep and never returned. Who she was and why she left Vyline with the Randells were questions the Duke refused to answer, other than she wanted her daughter to have a happy life. For the most part, that wish was granted, and then some. While Vyline was not raised as the heir of the house, she was treated with love and affection. Meldia was a harsh taskmaster, but fair and otherwise a caring mother. Arya was the most overtly affectionate out of everyone in the house, perhaps a tad too much.

Having been in their loving company for so long despite her origins and seeing the mistrust and anger toward her family, Vyline swore she would repay their kindness. Becoming head of the house was out of the question, but becoming a knight in service to the crown was not. She knew the path would be long and arduous, especially with everyone's mistrust toward her heritage, but she would remain stalwart like the knights in her books. She would serve Maple Leaf with all her heart and defend its people like a champion of justice.

Vyline's dreams of knighthood were partially why she was so hesitant on becoming playmates with Pyrrha von Estelise. It was part of the job when it came to being a noble, adopted or not, but every action could be scrutinized and used against her. Dealing with nobles was dangerous as it is, but dealing with royalty? One screw-up and her dream would be over before it began.

Fortunately, Pyrrha proved her worst fears were unfounded. She was not at all what Vyline assumed. While her knowledge of royal procession was barebones, she at least knew that only males could succeed the king. Despite her status as a princess, she could not ascend the throne. Her options then would be to enter the political circle, perhaps married off to a noble family seeking favor with the royal family. At least, that was what Vyline assumed. Instead, she found a girl who struggled amid the lifestyle of a princess. Terribly awkward, much like herself, but with the same kind of eyes.

As the days progressed, Vyline got to know more and more about Pyrrha. She found the princess to be more mature than she let one, struggling to act her age. It made her wonder what sort of life she must have had in Oakhaven Palace to develop such a mentality. At the very least she saw a familiar hunger in those vibrant green eyes of hers. She did not want to be a princess, she wanted to be a warrior. She wanted to be like her grandfather, a man famed as a warrior king like the Kaiser of the Rediron Empire.

In a sense, Vyline felt as though she found a kindred spirit with the princess. It was why she made the offer to invite her to Castle Thulwin. She was incredibly nervous about how such an act might be seen by House Randell's peers, but the Duke told her it was fine. He knew she wanted to be genuine friends with the princess and encouraged her as much as Arya had.

On the subject of her sister, Vyline once again wished her older sister would take things seriously. Despite both she and Duchess Meldia telling her to be on her best behavior and act properly as heir of House Randell, she did as she pleased. She was acting like a child! Granted, that was exactly what she was, but that was not the point. She was supposed to set a good example, and yet…

Vyline loved Arya with all her heart, she truly did, but some days she made Vyline want to tear her hair out.

"Ooh, is this the boy talk I've been hearing about?!" She tried her best to stop the disaster in the making, but it was too late. Arya was looking starry-eyed at the princess, arriving just in time to hear Pyrrha ask her about romantic preferences. "Cherrie mentioned it the other day, but she wouldn't tell me about it until I was older. She's so mean!"

"Wha-wait, hold on—" Vyline stammered, completely and totally off guard. She was not expecting Pyrrha to ask such a bold question, much less for her older sister to join in.

"I don't think your friend and I have the same definition of 'boy talk'…" Pyrrha giggled awkwardly. "But the gist is mostly the same. Do you have a boy you like, Arya?"

Oh thank you princess I love you forever and ever, was the relieved cry of the chibi-Vyline running around in her head.

Her sister blushed heavily, wriggling and wringing her hands together. "There's a boy I fancy, yes. His parents run a bakery in town!" Vyline balked, instantly figuring out who her sister meant. Luigi was cute, what with his bright red eyes and copper hair, but his personality was far from ideal. He was rude and crass, no matter who the customer was. The king himself could walk through the front door and that boy would call him something that was not to be said by a child! "He's quite the vocalist as well. I overheard him reciting poetry the other day when papa took me to see a play!"

That foul-mouthed brat reciting poetry?! Arya, have you lost your mind?! Are we even talking about the same boy?!

She was not in her right mind. That was the only explanation. Luigi was too abrasive to be anything of the sort. Either that or her older sister was delusional.

"What about you, Vyline?" Crap! "Do you have a boy you like?"

Both her older sister and the princess looked at her expectantly. Sweat poured down her face like a waterfall. Damn Arya for putting her on the spot! "Erm, I-I don't… That is, I-I don't have a boy I fancy p-per say, but…"

Arya leaned forward eagerly with a beaming expression.

Vyline wished the earth would devour her then and there. Her whole face turned scarlet and could not bear to look at her sister and the princess any longer, glaring at the floor underneath her. "…S-Sir Jonathan i-is the sort of person I w-want to…"

Jonathan Geland, while not a high-ranking knight, was nonetheless part of the Castle Guard and trained with the Captain of the Guard on a daily basis. He was spoken of as being hard-working, born from a commoner family as its breadwinner from a young age. Upon winning a local tournament in his hometown, he was offered a scholarship at the Knights Academy and graduated near the top of his class.

Joining the Castle Guard was no easy feat, given the selection process and the supposedly grossly intense screening process. The king and the Captain oversaw each and every candidate, selecting only the best. The fact that Jonathan was part of the Castle Guard meant he possessed some decent ability, but that was not why Vyline admired him so. It was the stories and whispers she heard whenever she ventured out into town on occasion, of the deeds and tales he accomplished in the kingdom's service.

He was not the only one housewives gossiped about, but he was the most frequently mentioned due to his bachelor status.

"I knew it!" Arya squealed. "It's because he's a knight, isn't it?"

Pyrrha seemed awfully curious for some reason. "Is Jonathan famous?"

"Many ladies speak of him fondly," Vyline said. "Though they always talk about whatever catches their fancy. Knights like Sir Jonathan are talked of the most frequently, especially for, um, women looking for a suitor…"

It took the princess a second to realize what Vyline mentioned. Her cheeks turned a slight shade of pink. "O-oh…"

"What about you, princess? What kind of boy do you like?" Arya inquired with the same Cheshire grin. "Perhaps someone like Sir Jonathan?"

Vyline's embarrassment largely faded in favor of annoyance and irritation. "Arya, don't be rude!" she scolded her sister. "Y-you can't just ask something like that of the princess!"

"Why not?" Arya pouted. "We've already told her about our preferences."

Pyrrha laughed awkwardly. "W-well, I don't exactly have a type, but…"

Vyline blinked. For some reason, the princess' expression changed. She did not look like a child, but an adult woman in mourning.

"…I do have a first love."

Arya gasped, eyes growing wide before she trembled with excitement. She would have likely thrown the table aside just to reach Pyrrha, though she thankfully settled for pressing against the table with her hands to lean over it. "Who is it?! Who is it?!"

"He's not here in Sileos," Pyrrha replied bitterly. "He's…someplace far away, where I can never reach him."

The warmth of the party died instantly. Arya's smile faded as she slumped back down, her enthusiasm all but gone. Vyline was left with an uncomfortable pit in her stomach. She did not have to ask what she meant; the look on Pyrrha's face said it all. Her first love, whoever he may have been, was dead. A tragic romance that ended before it could begin.

"I-I'm sorry…" Arya was on the brink of tears. Why wouldn't she when she inadvertently stumbled upon such a sensitive topic? "I never meant to…"

Pyrrha waved her hand placatingly. "It's fine, you had no idea." She picked up the teacup that remained untouched until now, her smile reflected off the lukewarm mirror within. "He was…special, in an almost childish way. When I first saw him, I thought he looked cute, but he'd only see me the same way everyone else does. I settled for just watching him from afar, but when we had a chance to talk, do you know what I learned?"

"W-what?" Vyline asked in spite of herself.

The red-haired girl smiled in a way she had not seen before. The princess' smile was beaming and nostalgic. For a moment, she did not look like a princess, but an ordinary girl. "He had absolutely no idea who I was. It was the happiest moment of my life, to be honest. Even when he did, he still treated me the same. As far as he was concerned, I was just a girl named Pyrrha."

As if allowing the floodgates to open, Pyrrha spoke of her first love with fondness, her expression that of a love-struck maiden. She spoke of a boy who dreamed to be a hero like his grandfather, goofy and dork-ish as he was. Vyline knew there was obviously more to the story, finding some bits sounding out of place or incomplete, but she said nothing and listened. Arya said nothing and listened. They listened as Pyrrha spoke of her first love and a boy who Vyline wished she could have met. He sounded like a good person.

It was as Pyrrha spoke of this boy that Vyline also learned something else.

Pyrrha von Estelise did not want to be a princess.

She knew this already, of course. She wanted to study under the Captain of the Guard and found politics to be an unfavorable subject. She did not want to play "the game" as some snooty nobles called their political machinations and maneuvers across the court. She wanted to venture out into the world, blade in hand. She yearned for adventure. Yet as Pyrrha seemingly reaffirmed this desire to her, something else also awoke in Vyline. A strange feeling pulsed rapidly in her breast. She did not understand it at first, not right away.

By the time Duke Randell and she escorted Pyrrha back to her carriage, the sun had already begun to dip into the horizon. "Today was a lot of fun!" Arya said happily. Without the overbearing presence of the Duchess anywhere, she was free to glomp the princess to her heart's content. "You have to visit again! I'll even introduce you to some of my friends! Ooh, we can talk about boys, polish nails, do each other's hair, and—"

"Arya!" Vyline hissed.

Pyrrha blinked. "Déjà vu…" she muttered under her breath before shaking her head and smiling. "And thank you for having me. I have a lot of fun as well." She bowed to Arya and Duke Randell before turning to Vyline, her smile growing an inch wider. "I'll ask the staff if they can make us something delicious next time you come by the palace."

There it was again, that indescribable feeling rampaging its way through her chest. The young girl found it difficult to breathe, much less speak. "Y-yes, of course!" she said, stronger than she intended if the surprised looks on her family were any indication. Blushing in shame, she lowered her tone. "I-I mean, yes, I'd be more than happy."

"It was good seeing you again, Duke," Sir Jonathan said as he shook hands with her adopted father. "I'll pass your words along to His Majesty the next time I see him."

Duke Randell smiled. "Tell Septem to make sure His Majesty doesn't go too overboard in his antics. I heard he tried to sneak out of the palace again."

"Why am I not surprised?" Shaking his head in exasperation, the young knight offered a hand to Pyrrha, gently escorting her into the carriage.

Vyline recalled Pyrrha's words during their first playdate. Her heart thumped against her chest.

"Y-Your Highness?!"

Pyrrha peered the window just as Sir Jonathan closed the carriage door shut. "Yes?"

The girl's mouth was dry, the words struggling to come out of her mouth. She wrung the hem of her dress. Come on, you can do it, chibi-Vyline roared in her head. You can do it! Ora!

"Y-you want to explore the Isles when you're old enough, right?" Vyline finally found the strength to speak, swallowing the dry lump in her throat. "D-does that mean…y-you'll want to go to the Knights Academy as well?"

The idea sounded outlandish now that she said it aloud. A princess going to the Knights Academy? What foolishness. As if a member of royalty would ever consider going there, not when the king and his aides could find her the best teachers the kingdom had to offer.

And yet—

"Of course!" Pyrrha grinned. "That's where you'll be going also, right? I hope we'll still be friends by the time we enroll."

Vyline Esther Randell understood then what this rapturous feeling in her chest was.

Later that night, just as bedtime neared the corner, Vyline spoke with her father in the Common Room.

"I don't want to be Pyrrha's playmate," she said suddenly.

Duke Randell blinked, staring at his adopted daughter in bewilderment. Her face was serious, eyes ablaze with passion.

"I want to be Her Highness' Knight!"

Next Chapter:
Mothers and Birthdays