As the sun descended towards the horizon, its once confident rays began to wane, casting soft sunlight across the sky. The atmosphere transformed into an abstract painting, with hues of orange resembling a canvas with streaks of purplish blue and white clouds. The wind rustled through the air, causing the crunching leaves on the ground to fly.

     Oliver hands a handful of bronze coins to a coachman before hopping off the carriage. Passing through a towering gate, Oliver struts towards the entrance of Frederick's majestic mansion. Stepping inside, Oliver opens the grand doorway and immediately spots Sophia descending the grand staircase.

     Sophia, wearing her rosy cherry dress, beams elegance as she walks down the stairs. She smiles as she locks eyes with Oliver. With synchronized steps, they close the distance, meeting under the glistening chandelier, and stand before each other.

"Hey, Sophia, you won't believe what happened today," Oliver said.

"Oh, you won't believe what happened here today either," Sophia replied as her eyes widened.

"Wait, what happened?" Oliver tilted his head.

Sophia leaned in closer. "There were people outside today, throwing flowers at Mr Frederick's front yard, and they were cheering," she told Oliver.

"What were they cheering for?" Oliver asked.

"They were cheering for your relationship with Greg," Sophia smiled.

Oliver gasped. "That happened to me this morning, too! They were congratulating me for being with Greg," said Oliver.

"Don't you know what this means, Oli?" Sophia grinned.

"What does it mean?" Oliver responded as he smiled.

"It means people are finally accepting who you are!" Sophia stated.

Oliver's eyes lit up with happiness as he covered his mouth. "Really? I am thrilled to hear that!"

"And so am I!" Sophia replied.

"But... it's odd, to be honest," Oliver thought.

"Why?" Sophia wondered.

"I'm confused about why people are beginning to change their view of us. It was gradual... but also sudden at the same time... hmm..." Oliver mused, placing a finger on his chin.

"Perhaps, they realized it's better to accept people for who they are," Sophia nodded.

"...Maybe," Oliver smiled. "...Yeah."

     Oliver rushed to the grand staircase. While climbing the stairs, he removed his shako cap from his head, and his silver hair fell to his forehead. As he took a sharp turn to the corridor, Oliver stumbled upon Bethany.

"Oli!" Bethany called out as she walked down the corridor, meeting Oliver near the grand staircase.

"Why, good afternoon!" Oliver greeted.

"You seem particularly happy today," Bethany smirked.

"Of course, I am," Oliver's smile widened.

"Well... I suppose... you'd be even happier if you checked your bedroom! The mailman was practically bursting with letters for you today," Bethany stated with an eager smile.

Oliver's excitement grew as he exclaimed. "Oh? Thank you! I was about to head there just now!"

"Alright then! See you later at dinner, alright? Bye!" Bethany waved, beginning her descent down the staircase.

"See ya!" Oliver responded, his steps quickening as he dashed to his bedroom.

     Oliver pushes open the door to his room and tosses his shako cap onto the bed. With swift steps, he hurries towards his desk, where countless letters flood the surface. Oliver smiles as his heartbeat grows faster.

     Oliver pulls out a chair and sits on it, ready to dive into the ocean of mail. His fingers reach out, selecting a white envelope and tearing it open. He then takes out the mail and begins to read.

Oliver read the letter. "Dear Oliver Podeshire..." He continued with a light smile. "I am smiling from ear to ear upon hearing that you and your beloved friend, Gregory Hidesine, are happily together. May God bless your relationship and suffice you and your lover with goodness." Oliver blushed, and his grin widened.

     Oliver sets down the letter and takes another one. He tears the envelope and grabs the mail inside. As his eyes dart on the paper, he clears his throat and reads.

"Greetings, Sir Oliver Podeshire!" Oliver read aloud. "I am a fourteen-year-old girl seeking a lover. Yet, I often find myself doubting my worth. However, I felt inspired upon learning of your newly formed relationship with your friend, Sir Gregory Hidesine. It has given me the courage to consider venturing into my journey of love. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and thank you for inspiring me. May your relationship with Sir Hidesine be blessed!" Oliver then giggled.

     After carefully reading the letter, Oliver places it aside and reaches for another envelope. He then opens it and retrieves the mail from the envelope. Oliver then straightens his back, preparing to read.

"Dear Podeshire," Oliver read aloud. "I am an ardent admirer of your relationship with Sir Gregory Hidesine. I have prayed for your love to endure over time, and it gladdens my heart to see my supplications answered. I now pray to the divine forces to bless your union, as your bond serves as an illuminating beacon amidst the tumultuous transformation of our ever-evolving, industrializing world." He then smiled, kissing the letter before proceeding to another one. "To the Remaining Podeshire... I humbly seek your forgiveness, sir, for I once foolishly criticised your cherished relationship with Hidesine. Yet, a deep change has taken hold of my heart. And likewise, my companions have undergone a similar awakening. We now steadfastly believe in the enduring strength and exquisite splendour that shall grace your shared future."

     Oliver swiftly collects all the mail, read and unread, and carefully arranges them at the centre of his desk. Embracing the stack of letters and envelopes, he wraps his arms around them, cherishing each. He smiles as he closes his eyes, allowing the warmth in his heart to fill him. Slowly, Oliver gently releases the mail as his grin continues.

     Rising from his seat, Oliver walks across his room. He maintains his radiant smile, undeterred by any distractions. His gaze locks on the window as its glossy, arched frame offers a vast view of the sky painted in hues of orange. Oliver relishes the ability to find joy again, a welcome respite for his mind.