The next morning, Genie was having breakfast in the Princess's quarter garden and with a surprise, put down her spoon.
"What? Jade is coming back as my royal guard?"
Lady Han bowed respectfully.
"Yes, Your Highness. The message came from the Royal Eunuch this morning. The Ministry of Personnel will soon officially transfer Captain Jade to your service."
Genie couldn't hide the shock on her face.
"But… why all of a sudden?"
And then, a memory surfaced—her words to Jade back in the Ash.
"Please become my boy guard once again."
'Could he really be coming back because of that?'
Her heart began to race.
Watching her, Lady's attendant Park giggled playfully, thinking she's cute.
"Well, isn't that wonderful news, Your Highness?"
"I—" Genie stammered, visibly flustered. "Wh-who gave such an order?"
Lady Han answered with grace. "I've heard that CaptainJade personally made the request to His Majesty."
"P-personally…?"
Her heart beat even faster.
'Then he really did it because of what I said…'
Genie looked away from the neatly arranged breakfast table and gazed out at the midsummer garden surrounding her pavilion. The lush green had always been beautiful, but today, it looked even more vibrant. Was it just her imagination?
In front of the Royal Guard training grounds, Jade stood surrounded by his men.
"Captain, I can't believe you're transferring to the Princess's guard. It's just… hard to accept," said his subordinate Dae-jin, his voice tinged with disappointment.
The other guards around them nodded in agreement, reluctant to see their leader go.
"We'll still be in the same palace so don't be sad. We're not saying goodbye forever."
"Still… it won't be the same," Dae-jin mumbled, lips sticking out in a pout.
He had always respected Jade, more than just as a superior officer.
Jade chuckled. "I'll visit whenever I have time. In the meantime, Dae-jin, I'm counting on you to lead the royal guards in my place."
Dae-jin bit his lip, then gave a determined nod.
"Yes, Captain! I may not have your skills in combat or your leadership, but I promise to give it my all!"
"You'll do well," Jade replied warmly, giving a nod to each of his men, one by one, in silent farewell.
Later that day, after receiving the official assignment, Jade arrived at the Princess's pavilion garden.
Genie, who had been reading in the library, made her way to the garden, her heart racing.
From afar, she spotted him—his broad shoulders and striking features were unmistakable.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped in front of him.
"Your Highness," Jade bowed. "It is an honor to serve as your royal guard once more. I will be commanding your security detail moving forward."
Genie offered an awkward smile.
"There's no need for such formality. Anyone watching might think we were strangers."
A faint smile appeared on Jade's lips as well, though it held an awkward edge.
Silence lingered between them for a moment.
Behind the Princess, the court ladies watched the exchange with barely concealed curiosity.
"But why did you suddenly transfer to my unit?"
Jade's eyes wavered for just a second.
Seeing his hesitation, Genie quickly added, "Well… whatever the reason may be, I'm glad. I'm happy to have you by my side again."
"..."
Jade bowed his head slightly, silent.
Genie gave him a warm smile.
"When you first entered the palace as my guard eleven years ago, we barely had a month together. But this time, I think we'll have much more time. I look forward to it, Jade."
Jade looked up to meet her eyes.
She was smiling at him—her smile as warm as sunlight.
And just like that, his heart began to race again.
"...As do I, Your Highness. I will serve you faithfully."
That evening, now officially appointed as the Captain of the Princess's guards, Jade returned to his office at the barracks.
His entire day had been consumed by reorganizing the security protocol for the Princess's residence and retraining her existing guards.
He had imagined that, once reassigned, he would be at the Princess's side all day. But reality had turned out differently—he'd barely seen her at all.
Since her return to the palace, Genie had been busy meeting ministers and learning about the laws and structure of Hana Kingdom.
While she studied governance, Jade focused on rebuilding her guard unit from the ground up.
"She's… busier than I thought."
A strange, subtle disappointment tugged at his chest.
But Jade quickly shook it off.
"No… She's doing her best to prepare for the throne."
A quiet pride filled his heart.
She was only twenty-three, yet she approached her duties with passion and resolve.
That same night, Princess Genie quietly slipped out of the palace with only Lady Han and Lady's attendant Park at her side. They followed a hidden trail through the woods behind the palace, eventually reaching a wide and open field.
"Your Highness," came the gentle voice of an old man.
Genie stopped and bowed deeply.
"It's been a while, Teacher."
Facing her was Do-won, her former martial arts master.
Lady Han and Lady's attendant Park bowed politely behind her.
"I heard you were asking for me after returning from Arabia. What brings you to this secret place at such a late hour?"
Genie smiled softly.
"I'd like to resume my martial arts training, Teacher."
Do-won raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"You wish to learn from a man over seventy years old?"
She looked at him with firm eyes.
"Yes, I want to learn from you. You're still the greatest warrior in the Hana Kingdom even though you're over seventy years old."
The old man chuckled and shook his head.
"Not anymore. These days, that title belongs to none other than Jade. I heard he safely escorted you all the way back from Arabia. Even I, outside the palace, knew of his feat. So why seek me, and not him?"
"After I left so suddenly eleven years ago, I never got the chance to train again."
Do-won listened carefully to Genie's serious words.
"During our return, I faced death more times than I can count. Each time, it was Jade who saved me. To me… he felt like an angel sent by God."
The old master smiled quietly.
Genie continued, "But the truth is… I can't keep depending on someone else. I want to honor the words I spoke to you back then."
"You mean, your desire to become someone who can protect herself?"
She nodded with a smile.
"Yes. I want to protect myself. So I can protect the people who follow me. And protect Hana. Until I am strong enough, I plan to keep this training a secret—from Jade, and everyone else."
Do-won studied her for a moment without words.
'Just like back then, she truly is remarkable.'
"What are you thinking, Teacher?"
"Haha, just thinking how proud I am of how well you've grown."
"Is that so, haha."
"Next time, I'll bring a bow."
Genie's eyes widened.
"A… bow?"
"Yes. Eleven years ago, you struggled with the sword. I had always wanted to teach you archery, but you left for Arabia before I could. This time, I will make sure you master it."
'Archery…'
The unexpected idea intrigued her.
"Alright, I'll give it my all."
With the summer breeze brushing past them, Genie and her old master stood together, making a quiet promise to resume the training they had once left behind.
The next morning, Jade timed his arrival at the Princess's pavilion to match the end of her breakfast.
When he reached the gates, he greeted the night guards.
"Good work, everyone. You're dismissed for the day."
With a synchronized bow, the guards saluted and left.
Moments later, the doors to the inner chambers opened, and Princess Genie stepped out with her court ladies.
"Good morning, Jade."
Genie's presence was as refreshing as the early summer air. Jade couldn't help but smile.
"Good morning, Your Highness."
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed across the courtyard.
They both turned to see a young man walking toward them, crossing the Princess's garden.
He was dressed in sky-blue robes—those of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His eyes were shining with intelligence.
That's when Genie remembered.
"Oh, that's right. I'd completely forgotten—the top scholar from this year's state exam was supposed to come greet me today."
Jade remained silent, eyes on the approaching figure.
The young man stopped in front of them and bowed respectfully.
"Your Highness, it is an honor to meet you for the first time."
He raised his head, meeting her gaze with clear, confident eyes.
"My name is Moonsen."
Genie smiled warmly at the newly appointed diplomat from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moonsen.
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
"I heard Your Highness recently returned from Arabia. How was life there?" Moonsen asked with a bright, sunny smile.
Genie found his ease in conversation remarkable, especially for someone they were meeting for the first time.
'He's... kind of like me,' she thought with a curious glint in her eye.
She chuckled and replied, "Life in Arabia was exciting—every day felt like a new adventure."
Moonsen smiled and asked with genuine interest, "What made it feel so adventurous, if I may ask?"
"Hmm… there's so much to tell, I wouldn't know where to begin."
"Well, since the weather is so nice, would Your Highness care to take a walk with me in the garden and tell me about it?" he offered brightly.
Genie nodded with a smile.
The two began strolling through the royal garden, deep in conversation, their exchange flowing naturally and effortlessly.
"..."
Meanwhile, Jade stood a short distance away, silently watching the two walk side by side.