As Lord Derek Ardo walked out of the Training Commander's office, he felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him. The discussion had been productive, and he was confident that the Royal Cadet Academy was in good hands. He turned to leave, but his eyes landed on a familiar figure - Evelyn, the princess of the kingdom, and his friend's daughter. She was dressed in a simple yet practical uniform, her hair tied back in a ponytail, and a mischievous glint in her eye.
Derek's face broke into a warm smile as he approached her. "Evelyn, what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.
Evelyn turned to face him, a guilty look on her face. "Oh, just getting some exercise, Sir Derek," she replied, her voice innocent.
Derek chuckled. "Save it, young one. I know you're not supposed to be here...and you know that too. Your father would have a fit if he knew you were sneaking into the RCA. And he'd murder me if he finds out I know about this." He was actually the one that helped her get it four years ago.
Evelyn rolled her eyes. "I know, I know. But I just can't help myself. I love the training, and I'm good at it too. More so, we'd only get in trouble if we get caught."
Derek shook his head. "I'm not arguing with that. You're a talented young woman, and you have a lot of potential. But you need to be careful. If your father finds out, he'll lock you up in the palace and throw away the key."
Evelyn grinned. "I'll be fine, Uncle. I can take care of myself here. And if he ever does that, you'd take care of it."
Derek sighed. "I'm sure you can, but that's not the point. The point is that you're a princess, and you have a responsibility to your family and your kingdom. You can't just go around doing whatever you want, whenever you want."
Evelyn's expression turned serious, and she looked up at Derek with a determined glint in her eye. "I know what my responsibilities are! But I also know what I want, and I'm not going to let anyone or anything get in my way."
Derek smiled, impressed by her spirit. "I think you'll make a great queen one day, Evelyn. But for now, I think it's time for you to head back to the palace. Your father will be looking for you."
Evelyn nodded, but Derek could tell she had no intention of leaving. He just smiled and shook his head. "I'll see you later, Evelyn. Try to stay out of trouble, okay?"
Evelyn grinned and waved goodbye as Derek walked away. He knew she wouldn't listen to him, but he also knew that she was a smart and resourceful young woman who could take care of herself.
As he walked through the corridors of the RCA, Derek's thoughts turned to his own family. He had 'two' sons, and he was proud of both of them because they're both unique and trouble making. But his second 'son', Trevor, was the one who was currently on his mind. Trevor was a talented young cadet, and Derek had high hopes for him.
He found Trevor in the training room, practicing his swordplay with Nick. Derek watched for a moment, impressed by Trevor's skill and agility. Then he cleared his throat to announce his presence.
Trevor turned to face him, a look of respect on his face. "Father," he said, bowing slightly.
Derek smiled, feeling a sense of pride and affection for Trevor. He had never thought of Trevor as anything less than a son. "Trevor, I need to talk to you about something. You know that the Legion Challenge is just around the corner, don't you?" He probably didn't know since the change in the due date was just made few hours ago. "The date has been changed. It is now going to happen in the next two weeks."
Trevor's eyes grew as he nodded. "Well, Father. I've been training hard for it."
Derek nodded, his expression serious. "I know you have, and I'm proud of you. But this challenge is more than just a test of your skills. It's a chance for you to bring honor to our family, to show everyone that you're a true Ardo."
Trevor's face set in a determined expression. "I won't let you down, Father. I'll do everything I can to win."
Derek smiled, feeling a sense of pride and confidence in his son. "I know you will, Trevor. You have the heart of a true warrior. But it's not just about winning or losing. It's about how you conduct yourself, how you represent our family and our name."
Trevor nodded, his eyes serious. "I understand, Father. I'll make sure to make you proud."
Derek placed a hand on Trevor's shoulder, feeling a sense of pride and affection for his son. "I know you will, Trevor. You're a good kid, and you have a bright future ahead of you. Just remember to stay focused, to stay disciplined, and to always conduct yourself with honor and integrity."
Derek smiled. "I know you will, Trevor. Now, I have to go. I have some business to attend to. But I'll be watching you, and I expect great things from you."
Trevor nodded, his eyes shining with determination. "I won't let you down, Father."
Derek turned to leave, but not before clapping Nick on the back. "And you, Nick, if you lose, I'll lock in a room with Chosa for three days." Derek really loved threatening Nick with the snake. He said after the name of the snake took effect on Nick, "Make sure to keep an eye on him, and make sure he doesn't get into too much trouble."
Nick grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'll try, Sir. But you know Trevor. He's a bit of a wild card." Even without the threat of Chosa, he had to win because his sister's dignity depends on it.
Derek chuckled, shaking his head. "Yes, I know. But that's what makes him so interesting. Now, I really must be off. I have a meeting with some of the other nobles to discuss the upcoming challenge."
As Derek left the training yard, Trevor turned to Nick and grinned. "Well, that was fun. I love it when my father comes to visit."
Nick rolled his eyes, laughing. "You're such a goofball, Trevor. But seriously, what's that about the date changing? It's going to be tough."
Trevor nodded, his face set in a determined expression. "I was born ready, Nick. Either it's two months or two weeks, it's going to tough."
Just then, Stanley walked in, a big grin on his face. "There you are!"
Trevor and Nick turned to him, surprised. "Stan! So, how was it?" Trevor asked.
Stanley chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I just got a job as a cleaner here at the RCA. Can you believe it?"
Nick's eyes widened in surprise. "A cleaner? Brother, your father is one of the richest men in the kingdom...and the King's Arm for that matter! Why on earth would you want to work as a cleaner?"
Stanley shrugged, his grin still plastered on his face. "I don't know, guys. I just wanted to do something different, I guess. And besides, it's not like I'm going to be cleaning toilets all day. I'll be working behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly. And this might give me a chance to convince Dad and to get her." As he said her, he threw his head towards where Evelyn stood talking to a fellow cadet.
Trevor raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You know, Stanley, that's actually kind of cool. I never would have thought of you as the cleaning type, talk less of the wooing type."
Stanley laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hey, don't knock it till you try it, Trevor. Cleaning can be fun. And who knows, maybe I'll even get to clean up after you guys and see all the mess you make."
Nick chuckled, shaking his head. "Punk!"