After another round of lovemaking, Charlton, who saw that it was almost dawn, walked Serena back to her bedroom. They kissed each other one more time before they parted.

At half past 10 in the morning, Serena heard someone knocking on her door. "Milady, the Duke and the Duchess are waiting for you to join them for brunch."

Serena groggily rose from the bed. She haven't slept much yet but decided to join them anyway. She can sleep later when she goes back to school.

She moved to have a quick shower and dress herself. After finishing all that in 20 minutes, she went out of the room to see the servant waiting for her.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, let's go." She said, still feeling a bit lethargic.

In the dining hall, she saw her family, along with Charlton who did not look like he had an all-nighter and in fact looks even better than usual. They were having an amiable conversation when they saw her come in.

"Oh, Serena, you're a little late. Charlton here is just telling me about his and Leonard's escapades during their younger days. Come sit and have your meal." Celine said.

Serena nodded her head not speaking. She discovered that her voice was a little hoarse from all her screaming last night. Thankfully, the guest rooms were a little far from their family's bedrooms. If not, it would be a miracle to have no one hear her.

Serena sat beside her mother facing Charlton. They smiled at each other once before Charlton continued with his stories. Regaling her mother endlessly.

After brunch, Simoun instructed Fin to have their carriages prepared. He and his wife will accompany the children back to school first before going back to their dukedom. They need to leave a little early so that they can arrive at their estate before night falls.

Just like the other day, Serena rode with her parents and Charlton rode with Leonard. When they arrived at school, they first sent Serena back to her room before they proceeded to talk to the principal.

Serena was so tired that she fell right back to sleep once her head touched her pillow.

--

On the 2nd week of October, the heavy pressure in the atmosphere at school became palpable because of the looming preliminary exams. Students were all busy cramming every knowledge that they can. The library was always full, and even on the vast open school grounds, one can see students in groups having their books out.

Given this, Serena and Charlton had not a lot of time to see each other.

On Monday, they spent some time together at the private music room, not doing much but to study on their own. Serena did not want to disturb him from reading. Besides, she rather much enjoy his serious face with glasses reading a book.

On Tuesday, students were in a frenzy. Like a state of panic Serena understood all too well. This time, she and Charlton did not meet. Agreeing to study with their peers for the rest of the week as they don't have the same subjects.

On Wednesday, Serena too felt the pressure get into her system.

After dismissal, she and her friends trudged towards the library to study for the coming exams. Although she did say that she didn't really want to excel too much, she was not too audacious to assume that she was smarter than everyone here. Although she may have the advantage of having more knowledge from her previous life, she knew that she's a little rusty. Who won't be? The last she used them, if she were correct was, what? Four decades ago? Besides, geography and history here were a little new to her. She was surprised to learn that Charlton's father, Duke Charles Daniel, was actually a war hero. Her granddaughter, Rianne, did not include that in the details of her novel.

Serena discovered that a lot of things here were missing from Rianne's novel. Like her current friends. Even their names were not really mentioned, she didn't even know they existed.

Thus, she could only assume that it is safe to say that aside from facts in the novel, she is moving in a world that breathes a life of its own.

--

"The pressure is just killing me." Milly groaned as she exhaled loudly. "I don't think I can absorb even one more word of what this Adam Smith is saying. What of laissez-faire and what not. Please just shoot me now." She cried.

Serena and her friends were currently in her room studying. It was Thursday, and because of the preliminary exam next week, they will not have classes tomorrow.

"Don't take everything in at once. We still have a few days before the exam. I suggest you read through it first and then try to understand. You can memorize them easier that way later." Serena advised.

"I don't know how you do it Serena, juggling everything the same time and being able to answer everything when asked. I won't be surprised if you were to top the exams!" Gizel sobbed as she covered her face with her palms. "I can't do this anymore, I feel like my brain is about to explode!"

"No can do. You must try to understand the concepts, here, here, and here. You can't give up now, if you do, uncle and auntie will be disappointed. Besides, Serena is right, don't take everything in at once. We still have time, it's just Thursday." Via said as she tried to calm her cousin.

"It's not that I understood them easily. I've been learning these subjects for a long time now. Also, I've been spending a lot of time studying these things at night." Serena consoled, while thinking 'Well it's true that I've been learning some of these subjects for a long time, and have spent sleepless nights like from high school to college to post graduate. So it's not like I'm lying'

Then she continued with "So, if you don't understand anything, just ask me and I'll try to explain everything the best that I can. It will also help me review, so don't hesitate."

The girls looked at her gratefully as they continued reading their materials, asking her questions from time to time.

--

TBC