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The second day of the Exploration Corps’ stay at Arendelle dawned bright and clear. After breakfast at the ship, the cadets began to pour out of the vessel. Today, they were determined to explore Arendelle further and learn a lot more than the day before.

However, something else was due to happen too—the Lieutenant of the Exploration Corps had to visit the castle with one cadet representative. A few hours before the visit, the lieutenant consulted Romov. They walked, as the lieutenant discussed, “Well, Romov, today I am going to visit the Castle of Arendelle with a representative. Who do you think would be apt for this role?”

Romov advised, “Sir, you could be accompanied by Corporal Radcliffe.” The lieutenant did not look pleasant anymore.

“The corporal? Why do you suggest him, Romov? I was thinking of Sergeant Alex.”

Romov became worried and politely protested, “Not Sergeant Alex, sir! You must take Corporal Radcliffe; he has excellent records. Also, the corporal has attended several expeditions and has earned his Adventurers’ Medal. He is also good with the sword.”

The lieutenant considered and replied, “I know that he is accomplished in those fields. But when visiting the royal castle, I need someone who can present themselves with good savoir faire.”

But the quartermaster didn’t give in, “Sir, I still strongly believe that Corporal Radcliffe should represent the corps.”

The lieutenant lost his cool and grew irritated, “No, Corporal Radcliffe, will not come along! When asked for advice, you must think carefully before stating your opinion. Besides, how will your cousin ever grow up if your shadow always covers up his actions?”

He then instructed, “Sergeant Alex will accompany me, and that’s the end of it! Now go and inform him about the same.”

Romov took two steps back and saluted, “Yes, sir!”

Both of Alex’s friends, Aksel and Herman, searched for him as they walked through the plaza. Catching sight of him, Herman began, “Hey, Alex! What you did back there yesterday was mind-blowing!”

Aksel added, “Yes, he sure deserved what he got!”

Alex calmly responded, “It’s been a long time coming. Poor fellow, I feel bad for him. I hope he learns something from that.”

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Herman replied, “He sure will, sarge. Whew! For one moment, I thought we were all toast!”

Soon, Quarter Master Sergeant Romov approached the three boys. They came to attention and greeted, “Good morning, quartermaster sarge!”

Romov acknowledged, “Good morning, boys. At ease.”

With a lifeless expression, he directed, “Sergeant Alex, you are to accompany the lieutenant to the Castle of Arendelle as the representative of the Exploration Corps. Report to the bridge that leads to the castle in an hour.”

Alex tried hard to conceal the excitement in his eyes. He complied, pausing briefly, “Understood, quartermaster!”

His friends looked happy. “Congratulations, Alex!” started Herman after the quartermaster left. Aksel remarked, in delight, “Yeah, good job, Alex! I knew you could do it!”

“Alex.” started Herman. “You’re going to meet royalty now. You’re so lucky!”

Alex knew that his friend wanted to go too, but there was nothing he could do: only one representative could go.

“Don’t worry, I’ll tell you all I did.” he reassured, before cleverly adding, “Provided, you tell me everything you did too!”

Aksel readily confirmed, “We will tell you all about it, Alex.”

“Well, guys, this is it!”

An hour later, all cadets gathered at the plaza,

“Shall we, sergeant?” asked the lieutenant. Alex and himself stood away from the bridge.

“Yes, sir!” Sergeant Alex agreed enthusiastically.

Both of them began to walk on the secluded bridge that led to the gates of the castle. Within the gathering of cadets, Corporal Radcliffe hissed angrily at Romov, “What kind of cousin are you?!”

Romov quietly replied, “I tried my best, Radcliffe.”

When the lieutenant and Alex reached the gates, an Arendellian soldier who stood at the check post procured the royal invite from the lieutenant. Another, still taller and heftier soldier stood guard at the wicket gate. It seemed as though everybody was closely guarding a secret. In the castle premises, there was absolute silence. After reading the royal invite, the guard declared,

“Lieutenant of the Exploration Corps, you are welcome to the Castle of Arendelle. This way, please.”

The guard opened the wicket gate, and the lieutenant walked through. However, when Alex attempted to enter, the soldier standing guard stopped him with one of his gigantic hands.

“Who are you, and where do you think you are going?!” he spat.

Alex was terrified and didn’t utter a word. The lieutenant quickly came to the rescue,

“Soldier! I insist, read the letter once again.”

The man hesitantly began to glance through the letter superficially and read to himself,

“The Royal… invites the Lieutenant… Exploration Corps along with one cadet representative…”

The larger man demanded, “So, you are the cadet representative?”

Alex shuddered. He restrained himself, grew steadfast, and answered, “Yes sir, I am.”

The soldier sighed and unblocked his path, “Fine then. You shall pass.”

The lieutenant and Alex soon walked into the courtyard. It was massive; however, not a soul was seen around it. An attendant showed them in. The courtyard was engulfed in eerie silence. As they moved into the royal residence itself, Alex found himself gaping at the enormous windows, curtains, and spectacular designs on the walls.

Little did he know that his life was going to change forever.