A soothing breeze sweeps through the city of Asbranne after a destructive storm. The sun begins its descent towards the horizon, sending a warm orange glow across the sky as its golden rays scatter. Carriages weave through the busy streets while shoppers flock to the city's boutiques to see the latest fashionable gowns. Meanwhile, other citizens stroll through the industrializing neighbourhoods.

     On the west lies a graveyard silently nestling among the trees, its headstones jutting up from the earth like jagged teeth. The tall arched gateway loomed before them, casting a long shadow across the path. The gate proudly proclaims its name—the Westside Cemetery.

     A man kneels before a tombstone, dressed in a silver uniform that fades into a golden gradient at the bottom of his pants and white boots. The snug fit of his clothes accentuates his toned muscles and lithe body. His silver hair blends into dark roots, and his fair skin shimmers like the desert under the blazing sunlight.

     Standing up, the man places a tall shako cap on his head, and his captivating amber eyes shine like the morning sunlight as he glances at the exit. Leaving the cemetery behind, the man steps out onto the busy streets. Crowds gather before him, and their faces beam as they greet him with waves and smiles.

     The man smiles back at the men and women on the street as he walks through the concrete sidewalk. When the crowd sees his seductive smirk, they leap up on their toes and cheer loudly. The man continues to march through the muddy roads, and as he passes through the puddles, they dry up.

     The storm had caused massive destruction in the downtown area. Trees collapsed and blocked the streets, hindering every man and woman on the road. However, as the man approached, he swung his left arm. Then, the logs levitated and reattached themselves to the ground—as if the storm never happened.

The crowd cheered as they called out his name.

"Oliver! It's Oliver!"

"It's the Remaining Podeshire!"

"God bless you, good sir!"

     The man is none other than Oliver, the Remaining Podeshire, the last surviving member of his bloodline. Oliver smiled at the cheering crowds as he cut to his left on the street and ascended on stone steps. As he approached an imposing brick structure, its grand doors swung open, and its interior glowed like a portal.

     Hours have gone by since Oliver entered the building. Now, he sits in the centre of the long, narrow bedroom filled with bunk beds, and orphans surround him. Oliver's voice rises and falls as he reads a thin storybook in his hand. As he narrates with a confident grin, the children obscure his view with their leaning, curious faces, their eyes wide open.

"...Once these forbidden lovebirds married, their families restored kindness and respect for one another. And now... they live happily ever after. The end," Oliver narrated to the children, sighing as he closed the book.

"Wow..." a blonde boy exclaimed, gawking at Oliver.

"...That was a beautiful story. It's amazing how love can bring families back together, even after years of endless feuds," said Oliver.

"Can you read more for us!? Please? Please!?" a young girl with ginger hair pleaded with a broad smile.

"But we recently finished this story!" Oliver giggled as he patted the girl's head. "I must return this book to the library first. Then, I'll take a new novel to read for all of you tomorrow, alright?"

"I can't wait!" the blonde boy sprung to his feet.

"Me, too!" a boy stood up and jumped with the blonde boy.

"What will you read next?" a blonde girl asked, raising her hand.

"Hmm... I'll pick something more simple," Oliver smiled.

"Can you read another love story??" a girl asked, clenching her fists as her legs bounced.

"If you want it, then I shall!" Oliver remarked.

The children gasped and lunged at themselves, cheering and jumping.

"Yay!"

As the children's cheers subsided, a black-haired girl raised her hand and called Oliver with a polite smile. "...Sir Oliver?" She glanced at him.

"Yes?" Oliver responded.

"When will you get your own love story?" she inquired, holding her giggle.

Oliver's eyes widened in surprise, but he couldn't help but laugh. "Pfft! I don't need one yet! Hahaha!" he shook his head.

"...Why not?" the girl looked at Oliver and questioned him curiously.

     Before Oliver could respond, a gentle knock interrupted them. The door slowly creaked open, revealing a handsome man on the other side of the doorway. It is none other than the companion of the Remaining Podeshire, Gregory.

     As Gregory enters the dimly lit room, the soft light from the candles casts a warm glow on his light-tanned skin. He then runs a hand through his black hair that falls into a subtle beard, creating a shadow that emphasizes his muscular build. The candlelight gives his dark eyes a glint like polished bronze, and his gaze darts towards Oliver.

     Gregory walked inside with a puffed chest, donning a pearl-white shirt and a neat white cravat tie. The fitted black waistcoat and tailcoat hugged his muscular frame, drawing attention to his broad shoulders and strong arms. His black tailcoat and trousers were paired with matching shoes that mirrored the shine of his hair.

As Gregory walked in, a child stood up and cheered. "Sir Gregory!" he grinned.

"It's Sir Oliver's friend!" the other children exclaimed, rushing towards Gregory.

"Woah, greetings, kids!" Gregory greeted the children with his usual upbeat manner, chuckling as one of them snuck behind him and tickled him. "Hahaha! Hey there, little one!"

Oliver stood up from the floor and approached Gregory with a light smile. "Good evening, Greg," Oliver smirked.

"Hey!" Gregory replied with a benevolent smile.

     Gregory lifted a young girl onto his broad shoulders and walked towards the arched window, gazing at the night sky. His eyes widened in wonder as he took in the dark blue atmosphere, speckled with white, shimmering stars. The contrast between the glittering sky and the yellowish-orange glow of the city lights below had him halting his breath.

"Wow, evening already? Time sure does fly," Gregory gazed at the sky.

"It does indeed," Oliver agreed.

Gregory asked with a smile. "So! I just finished my shift. How about you?"

"Mhmh, logic, Greg. Logic. I'm not in my base or in any station, so what does that mean?" Oliver chuckled.

     A smile played at the corner of Oliver's lips as he watched a swarm of children lunging behind Gregory and tickling him. Gregory smirked at Oliver, enjoying seeing his attention focused on him. The children's laughter filled the room, and Oliver couldn't help but let out a deep, calm breath.

     A creaking noise echoed through the hallway as a door closed. Oliver and Gregory walked down the corridor, their footsteps thudding on the polished floors. As they walked, they chatted.

Oliver's eyes widened in excitement as he walked alongside Gregory down the hallway. "Greg! I just remembered—it's Friday! Are you staying with us again tonight?"

Gregory raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Of course. I always come prepared," he giggled.

Oliver chuckled. "Well, I'm glad you did. What time is it anyway?" he asked as they turned towards a staircase and descended.

Gregory pulled out his pocket watch from his coat. "It's... uhh... six twenty-six in the evening," he answered.

"Awesome! That means we can hang out longer," Oliver beamed.

"You're right!" Gregory nodded. "Speaking of which! I have something to tell you," he whispered into Oliver's ear.

"Do tell!" Oliver smirked.

"I'll tell you that later. But first, since it's still early, how about I take you for a treat?" Gregory asked with a smirk.