Yes theyve never actually stated. I assume since they were in knight training prior and selected to become knights/shadows eventual consorts, they were likely tween/teen not full adults. But the art doesn't show that well either. Even herself when she hit 11 to when she hit 15, her own art didn't change much. So it's a bit difficult to determine truly. Honestly if they didn't specify she was 11 to when she was 15 I likely wouldn't have noticed. When Chris hand measures he height he's not ridiculously taller than her either. And Douglas, who arguably should be around the same age as her, also gives the same "adult style" art vibe as Chris and Kyle. When they're talking in the attic, it's clear the "lead shadow" is older and in charge as well. I think the only change for Kyle is his eyes get smaller versus wide-younger look as before. But their heights stay somewhat relational to her to an extent.
So. Is there an age gap? Obviously, but it may not be as large a stretch as people are thinking.
Idk it's rough :| my guess on age gap is 5-10 years. Which is significant but not crazy either.
I’m pretty genuinely confused what the age gap actually is tbh. It sounds like they started working at the palace and then the first few chapters happened pretty immediately after academy? And obviously she was tiny from not eating and the magic to stop her from growing or whatever. Idk. I do love the intersex rep tho. My sibling is intersex and shit is mf rough for them and I’ve literally never seen that.