"If you know the cause of your illness, then I'm sure that you know it's mental. The trauma still affects you mentally even now and in such cases, everything is on the head." The middle-aged man who was a doctor said to Klaus Ermias.

"You mean?"

"There can be many possibilities, milord. But in your case, it seems like your mind is at ease when you are with that person. The fear that caused your illness is not there when that person is present," the doctor explained.

"At ease you say?" Klaus Ermias asked. He was still feeling lost.

"Yes, milord. Please excuse me for saying this, but the reason why you can't tolerate other people's touch is that you're afraid they might hurt you. Whenever for feel someone's touch on your body, your trauma is triggered and you eventually feel the pain.

"That's why I said you are at ease with that person. You believe that you won't be hurt by her." The doctor paused and said, "Our body is controlled by our mind, milord. If our mind is at ease, it's only natural for our body to be that way too."

What the doctor said completely occupied the Captain's mind. Everything was psychological? But... why did he felt that way when she was around?

Was it because she often intended to hurt him but never did?

Was it because they seemed to have some similarities?

He wasn't sure.

The doctor left the room after he answered the Captain's questions. Then Theo walked inside and removed the curtains.

"Do you get the answer you want, milord?" Theo asked Klaus Ermias while standing a few steps opposite him.

"I'm not sure. I think I'm only left with more questions," Klaus Ermias muttered.

Theo glanced down at the injured shoulder of his master. "Will you take the pill? After you lose your consciousness, I will change your bandage. It's hard to do it yourself."

Klaus Ermias narrowed his eyes at his shoulder and there was a subtle smile on his lips. "No need for that. I already changed before I came here."

"By yourself?"

"No. The Crown Princess." He briefly looked up at his guard and noticed the amazement on his face. "I request her. I manage to prove it that way."

"It wasn't because you were barely conscious that day? You can tolerate it while you are at your normal mind?" He asked the Captain with a flustered yet curious face.

"It's not easy for me to believe too," Klaus Ermias replied.

Theo gave a quick thought and lowered his head. "That is great news, milord. Why don't you keep her near? You might be able to recover if you get help."

Klaus Ermias rose from his seat and stood near the windows. "Even if that's possible, do you think my uncle will let me do that?"

"I can talk with the Duke -"

"Don't bother. Let's just be alert for now." He made a deliberate paused when that day in the Garetth Forest crossed his mind. "Besides, she is not an average woman. From what I see, I can tell that Arin Helev truly cared about her."

"Her identity still bothers you?"

"That's right. We only know that she is not Iria Aventine and nothing about her real identity." Klaus Ermias said with a blank face.

"I will try to find out about her," Theo quickly said.

Staring at the vast capital, Klaus Ermias was deeply absorbed in his thoughts. He didn't know why he felt this way but... ever since he met the mysterious Crown Princess in that Garetth Forest, his dull life had become a bit active.

For the first time in his life, he felt like he had something to look forward to.

* * *

After the sword fighting competition dominated half a day, jousting started in the afternoon. Jousting is a sporting contest in which two opponents on horseback fight with lances, trying to knock each other off from their horses.

Iria was also watching the competition while Vienna Mareyi sat on her right. Arin was busy watching over the competition and he couldn't join them on the platform.

Now that the people saw the Crown Princess and Lady Vienna together, a debate started again.

Who was more beautiful?

Despite the comparison which didn't seem to cease soon, the two women just remained sitting and enjoyed the tournament. The debate didn't bother them at all!

After glancing at General Hanson who was on the ground, Iria turned to Vienna Mareyi. "General Hanson is doing great. I bet he will win this competition," she remarked.

When General Hanson gained victory over his current opponent, there was a relief yet genuine smile on Lady Vienna's face. "He is the current joust champion. If he wins this year, it will be his third time."

Iria nodded and shifted her gaze back to the General who was about to leave the ground. "Why didn't he participate in sword fighting? I'm sure that he will be great."

"He and the Crown Prince always makes a deal beforehand. They don't want to participate in the same competition not to become opponents." Vienna Mareyi chuckled and looked at Iria. "It happened once four years ago in the finals. None of them had the heart to fight against each other and it became a huge problem."

Iria laughed at her words. "Their friendship is really something. One of a kind."

"That's right," Vienna Mareyi said with a nod. "If it's not too daring of me, I wish we can be like them too. I never have a true friend." She smiled and continued by saying, "It's hard to meet someone who thinks similar."

"You're right," Iria muttered and narrowed her eyes. Regardless of their kingdom, she truly wished to be true friends with this surprising lady. But... what if it only turned bitter later?

Vienna Mareyi would feel too betrayed once she knew the truth.

"The weather is very clear today. It would be great to have a nice time in a quiet place," Vienna Mareyi said as she inhaled the air and glanced around.

"Shall we leave the camp and go somewhere nice?" Iria promptly suggested.

Lady Vienna's smile instantly widened at her words. However, her smile slowly faded. "But my father..."

"Don't worry. I will take care of that," Iria quickly assured the Prime Minister's daughter. One place crossed her mind and she really wished to go there. Maybe it's time to fulfil.....