Oliver's arms remain wrapped around his friend's neck. Gregory encircles his arms around Oliver's waist, and Oliver lets out a deep, contented sigh. Oliver uncovers solace in the warmth and familiarity of his companion's presence, cherishing the prolonged moment of their embrace.

     Gregory's gaze lingers on the rain-soaked world behind the window. Taking his time, he places his hand over Oliver's chest, feeling his steady heartbeat. The synchronicity of their chests meeting sends a warm surge through Gregory, hastening his heart.

     Despite the chilly rain outside, Oliver finds comfort in the snug warmth of his friend's hug. The touch of Gregory's presence envelops him like a cosy blanket, warding off the cold. Reluctant to let go, Oliver holds onto their embrace, enduring the bond they share as friends.

     Gregory closed his eyes. Then, he reopened them. He glanced at the ceiling, thinking of his friend's words, making him form a smile.

     Someone knocks on the door unexpectedly. It stops after a few taps. Then, the door opens as a maid peeks through.

"Excuse me," the maid respectfully stated, bowing slightly. "You two are being summoned to join the group downstairs."

Oliver let go of the hug and pulled away from Gregory. "Okay, we'll be right there. Thank you," Oliver responded.

     Oliver looks back at his friend. They smile at each other before Oliver nods at him. Oliver steps forward and takes a deep, audible sigh through his mouth.

     Oliver places his palm on the door. He then pushes it open. He steps out as he looks left and right in the hallway. Soon, Oliver finds himself in a long corridor, marching down with Gregory beside him. He glances to the left, where he can see the rainy outdoors through the windows.

     Later, Oliver and Gregory step down the stairs. The empty lobby immediately greets them. Oliver looks around and walks to the right side. Instantly, his eyes widen as he freezes upon entering the dining room.

     The dining table overflows with delectable dishes, from vibrant green salads to succulent roasted turkey. Trays of peach salmon, carbonara, and spaghetti occupy a significant portion of the table, while desserts ranging from brown flans to rich puddings claim the rest of the space. The fruit bowl brims with decorative apples, mangoes, bananas, grapes and oranges.

     A towering three-layered dark chocolate cake with delicate white icing sits in the centre of the dining table. Around it are bouquets of edible white flowers with gold leaves on the sides, giving a sparkling colour. Bottles of red and white wine surround the cake, filling the gaps in the table.

     Frederick, Sophia, Edgar, Sarrah and Bethany surround the dining table. Their faces beam brightly. They giggle and wave at Oliver and Gregory, frozen in astonishment at the entrance. As the piano and violins serenade the room, harmonious melodies of an orchestral ensemble fill the atmosphere, enveloping everyone in a calming sense of peace and glee.

"There they are!" Edgar pointed at Oliver and Gregory.

"Congratulations, my son, for your service to our city!" Frederick approached Oliver, enveloping him in a warm hug.

Oliver remained shocked as his gaze flew between the bountiful feast before him and the gathered company. "...This is too much," Oliver uttered.

Sarrah playfully raised an eyebrow, teasing Oliver with a smirk. "Well, well, well. Now you understand what 'too much' feels like."

Frederick gently took Oliver's hand, leading him toward the lavish table. "Come now! Let's partake in this celebration together!"

Sophia approached Oliver and Gregory, handing them glasses of wine. "This celebration is dedicated to you, my dear friend."

"And to each of you," Frederick ventured, smiling at the others.

"To the Remaining Podeshire! May God shower His blessings upon him!" Gregory raised his glass.

"To the Remaining Podeshire!" everyone toasted, raising their drinks as their glass clinked.

     Laughter and cheerful chuckles ring throughout the mansion's walls. Outside, candles cast a soft, warm glow, their dim yellow lights flickering in the rain-washed surroundings. The faint tapping of raindrops persists from the heavens, providing a soothing backdrop to the joyous laughter that echoes, overpowering the tranquil and calming ambience of the night.