As Oliver and Gregory navigated the congested streets, Oliver couldn't shake the feeling of a thousand eyes upon him. Without lifting his head, he glanced everywhere and saw people staring at him, their gazes fixed and unrelenting. Oliver felt their stares like a physical weight on his shoulders, making him uncomfortable and exposed.

     The area was serenely quiet, and the streets were deserted. Oliver and Gregory strolled silently while admiring the splendour of the large mansions lining the street. With their imposing height and elaborate embellishments, the houses in this area stood in sharp contrast to the Fuers' modest residence.

     The grandeur and elegance of the mansions that reached the heavens were impossible to ignore. Oliver and Gregory gawked at the intricate carvings on the doors and windows of every household, noticing how the soft lights played in the ambience. Oliver imagined himself travelling through an alternate reality where luxury and affluence were the norm.

"Finally, a quiet street!" Gregory exclaimed.

Oliver turned his head to glance behind them before responding. "Yeah, great."

     As they strolled down the road, Oliver and Gregory's eyes roamed over the impressive architecture of each household. Oliver stared at each building with wide eyes. Suddenly, his gaze landed on a middle-aged man sitting peacefully on a bench on one of the mansion's porches.

     Oliver stopped. Then, he squinted as he continued walking with Gregory. Oliver immediately recognized the middle-aged man as a broad smile formed on his face. It was none other than Frederick.

     Frederick's eyes caught Oliver's, and the two locked gazes through the iron gate. Frederick recognized Oliver from afar. And a smile spread across his face as well.

     Slowly, Frederick rose from his bench and walked across his yard filled with blooming plantations. As he approached the gate, Oliver came to an abrupt halt, and so did Gregory. The three men then stared at each other as their faces beamed a glistening smile.

"Oliver, is that you?" Frederick asked, squinting through the gaps of the tall iron gate.

"Yes, Mr Mayor. I mean- Fred!" Oliver replied nervously, slightly smiling. "Please pardon us! We were only taking a stroll."

Frederick glanced at Gregory. "Oh, greetings."

"Good evening, sire," Gregory lightly bowed his head as he placed a hand on his chest.

"It's almost ten in the evening. Have you both had your dinner?" Frederick inquired kindly.

Oliver and Gregory timidly shook their heads.

"Don't worry, sire," Gregory said as he rubbed his stomach. He then glanced at Oliver. "Are you hungry, Oli?"

"I'm fine," Oliver responded.

"Nonsense! You cannot wander the streets on an empty stomach. Come in!" Frederick insisted, gesturing towards the entrance.

     The two guards by the gateway unlock the tall iron gate and step aside, allowing Oliver and Gregory to enter. However, Oliver hesitates to step one foot inside the lawn, shaking his head as he glances at Gregory. As Oliver and Gregory rub their arms onto one another, Frederick reaches the porch and passes through the entrance.

"Go in," Gregory brushed his arm against Oliver.

"Eh, I'm shy," Oliver murmured.

     Sighing, Gregory wraps his arm around Oliver's shoulders. Then, he begins walking with Oliver through the yard. They glance left and right, and the greenery waves at them.

     Oliver and Gregory reach the porch and climb on its steps. When they arrive at the entrance, the front door has already shut. The two men glance at each other in awkward silence.

     Oliver took a deep breath before knocking. However, no one responded. He tried again but louder. Then, a young maid opened the door.

"Yes?" the maid inquired, peering through the crack in the door.

"Oh... uhmm... t-the mayor invited us inside. May we come in...?" Oliver asked hesitantly.

"I'm... I'm not certain," the maid said. "He hasn't informed me of any visitors."

Just as the maid was about to close the door, the mayor, Frederick, intervened. "Hold on a moment! Let them in," he ordered politely.

"Oh, I apologise!" the maid exclaimed. The maid then widened the door and stepped aside, lightly bowing her head for the guests.

Oliver and Gregory stepped through the entrance with hanging jaws, amazed by the opulent lobby, and a grand staircase greeted them.

"Woah..." Gregory sighed as he gazed up at the chandelier above them.

"Follow me to the dining room, gentlemen," Frederick said as he walked across the lobby.

     Oliver and Gregory trail over Frederick's back across the lobby. Then, their eyes widen, and their jaws gape open upon seeing the grandeur and elegance of the dining room. The opulent decor steals their breath away, with every detail crafted to create a sense of luxury and sophistication.

     Floral tiles with delicate white borders and golden trimmings make up the sturdy walls. A grand table with elegant linens and gleaming silverware stands in the room's centre. And chandeliers embellished with beautiful crystals that caught the light and dispersed it across the space hung over the table.

"I beg your pardon if the spread is meagre. We were not anticipating any visitors at this moment," Frederick explained as he sat at the dining table loaded with plates.

"You don't have to apologise, Fred. We are already grateful for your hospitality," Oliver replied, taking in the elegance of the dining area.

"Hmm... it seems like the opulence in my humble abode has taken you by surprise," Frederick observed with a hint of pride.

"Indeed, I am taken by surprise, Fred. I must admit... your home is quite remarkable," Oliver complimented, nodding in agreement.

"I agree," Gregory added with a smile.

"Very well then, let's not delay. We shall commence with the meal," Frederick said with a keen smile.

     Oliver, Frederick, and Gregory sat down and feasted as the aroma of the freshly prepared dishes filled the air. Each dish was more delectable than the one before it, making the meal a feast for the senses. Soon, they concluded the dinner, leaving leftovers and stains on the plates.

     After the meal, the champagne was brought out, its bubbles swirling and fizzing in the glass. They clinked their glasses together and took light sips, enjoying the sweet and rich flavour of the wine. Suddenly, Frederick coughed and covered his mouth as his eyes winced.

"Are you alright, Fred?" Oliver asked with concern etched on his face.

Frederick smiled warmly and reassured Oliver. "Yes, I'm fine, Oliver. It was... just a tickle in my throat."

Oliver breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank goodness. I was worried for a moment."

Frederick chuckled softly. "Don't worry about me, young man. I'm a tough old bird."

Oliver grinned, "I know you are, Fred. I'm just glad everything is alright."

Frederick took a deep breath through his nose. "So, about your wedding," he prompted.

"Oh... we..." Oliver slowly answered as he glanced at his friend, "we halted the wedding..."

"Oh? Oh..." Frederick asked, his eyes slightly gaping wide.

Oliver's voice wavered slightly. "Well, honestly... Sophia and I were arranged to be married, but we don't have romantic feelings for each other. We only view each other... as friends," he confessed, looking down.

"...Oliver, it's okay... I understand," said Frederick.

"But... what about my family's legacy...?" Oliver asked with a soft and faint voice.

"What do you mean?" Frederick asked, curious.

Oliver took a deep breath before continuing. "My father always told me that our family are the only surviving members of our bloodline. I was just a child when he told me that, and I never questioned it until now. But without a wife... how can I continue our family's bloodline? Will we be the last ones?" Oliver questioned.

Frederick placed a finger under his chin as he listened patiently. "...I see... I don't blame you for thinking about such a topic. But... remember... there are many ways to leave a legacy—not just through continuing your bloodline; you can make a difference in people's lives, contribute to the world, and leave an everlasting impact. And... who knows? Perhaps, you'll find someone who shares interests with you and wants to build a life with you... someday," Frederick said with a calm and reassuring voice, slightly smiling.

"But... what if I want to continue my bloodline?" Oliver inquired.

"...I think it'll be best to... give your lineage... a peaceful rest, Oliver. Your family history has gone through much already," Frederick said as he sighed. "I believe the heaven is giving its signs by making you... the Remaining Podeshire."

"Perhaps, I still have relatives somewhere else," Oliver thought.

Frederick's expression darkened. "I'm afraid that's unlikely, Oliver. The Podeshire family has a complicated history, and much of it is shrouded in darkness and tragedy," he said, his voice tinged with sorrow.

"Are you certain...?" Oliver felt unsteady.

"Verily, I am," Frederick pouted, and his frown creased his face.

"...Are you alright, sire?" Gregory asked Frederick.

"Oliver... have you ever learned about the history of the Podeshires?" Frederick asked.

Oliver shook his head. "No, I haven't," Oliver answered, slightly terrified.

Frederick looked at him gravely. "Would you be eager to learn about it?" he asked.

"...Yes," Oliver murmured with his glance lowered.

"Are you sure...?" Frederick placed his wine glass on the table.

"Yes," he nodded as he fixed his gaze on Frederick's eyes.

"It's a long and painful story, but I think it's time you knew," Frederick stated. "Follow me, you two..."