"Look at the kitchen! It's steaming!" Bethany pointed out.

"What's going on there?" Sarrah wondered aloud.

"Shall we go and investigate?" Edgar suggested.

"I think that's quite a great idea," said Bethany.

     Bethany cautiously poked her head through the kitchen doorway, peering into the room. Sarrah followed, joining her as she peeked through the door. Edgar, curious as well, followed and joined the two.

     Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany's eyes immediately land on Oliver and Gregory inside the bustling kitchen. Without hesitation, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany venture further into the room, navigating through the swirling steam that blows into their faces. As they draw closer to the couple, their glances wander across the kitchen walls.

"Guys!" Bethany called out, waving at Oliver and Gregory.

     While holding a small plate of pastry cloaked in a creamy white covering, Oliver glances at his friends. He smiles, covering the white stains on his lips with his wrist. He quickly chews his food, swallowing it before facing his companions.

"Oh, hey!" Oliver waved with a fork in his hand. "Want to try this dessert for the party later?"

"Party?" Sarrah raised a brow. As realization dawned upon her, she gasped, "Wait. Is it for Sophia's birthday?"

"Mhm!" Oliver nodded.

"Oh, it's already September twenty-seventh," Sarrah remarked.

"Should we help?" Edgar asked kindly.

"Yeah! I was just about to ask," Oliver smirked, passing his food to Gregory.

"Alright then, what should we do, corporal?" Sarrah raised her chin, crossing her arms while smirking.

"Right, soldier. Sarrah, Bethany, you and the maids must clean the dining room! Prepare decorations and make it festive!" Oliver commanded.

"We've got it," Sarrah nodded.

"Let's go!" Bethany leapt towards the exit.

"Ed!" Oliver pointed at Edgar.

"Hm!?" Edgar's senses heightened.

"This one's for you. I don't know if it'll be easy for you, though," Oliver snickered.

"What should I do?" Edgar curiously asked.

"You need to go to Sophia's bedroom and ensure she doesn't come downstairs until noon. Got it?" Oliver issued his instructions.

"Okay! So, until noon, precisely at twelve?" Edgar agreed and inquired.

"As long as you can keep her upstairs and prevent her from seeing the surprise!" Oliver clarified.

"Got it!" Edgar hurriedly left the kitchen.

     Sarrah and Bethany reached the dining room. They quickly grabbed a broom from the corner. Then, they immediately began sweeping the floor with swift and sturdy strokes.

     Meanwhile, Edgar rushed past Sarrah and Bethany in the dining room. His steps echoed as he hastened towards the lobby. Swiftly, he ascended the grand staircase, reaching the following floor.

     In the meantime, three maids enter, joining Sarrah and Bethany in their efforts. The first maid dips a cloth into a bucket of water. Then, she wrings it out before wiping it on the windows until they gleamed crystal clear.

     The second maid tosses a long white tablecloth onto the dining table. She then runs around, pressing the cloth on the table to flatten it. With a quick spin, she heads to the kitchen.

     The third maid, possessing a sturdy physique and strong arms, carries two vases with blooming flowers. She places them near the doorway and neatly arranges the pots. Satisfied with her work, she turns around and faces the sliding door that leads to the garden.

     The second maid returns from the kitchen, balancing a plate filled with oval-shaped green gelatin in her hands. She approaches the dining table and sets the dessert on the corner. She quickly returns to the kitchen as the gelatin glimmers like emeralds under the chandelier's candlelights.

     In the meantime, Sophia, lying on her bed inside her bedroom, begins to wiggle on the sheets as she yawns. She then slowly rises from her mattress in her loose nightgown. She scratches and brushes her hair with her hands as her feet meet the cold floor.

     Standing up, Sophia proceeds to the bedroom door. She then grasps the golden doorknob and slowly pulls the doorway open. Surprised, she gasps and quickly jumps back upon seeing Edgar standing on the other side.

"Oh, hi!" Edgar greeted timidly.

"Ed?" Sophia questioned, furrowing her brows and tilting her head. "What are you doing in front of my door?"

"Nothing! Uh, I mean... I was just, you know, passing by," Edgar placed his hands on his back as he forced a grin. "So... uh... how are you? Have you had your breakfast yet?"

Sophia felt slightly annoyed, causing her eyes to close halfway through.

     Meanwhile, Sarrah and Bethany brought a bucket filled with water into the dining room. They plunged their mops into the bucket and began mopping the floor. Sarrah and Bethany swept the wooden floor from left to right until the floorboards gleamed and sparkled.

     While Sarrah and Bethany mop the floor, two maids enter the dining room, carrying a long white banner. Then, they tie the strings of the banner to the poles across the room. Pulling the strings taut, they fasten them in place, ensuring the banner is aligned and displayed.

     Chefs and cooks emerge from the bustling kitchen. They carefully balance plates and trays in their hands. Marching in a disciplined line, they make their way toward the grand dining table. Then, they place a delightful array of foods and meals on the table, filling every gap.

"Okay! Easy!" Oliver smiled while carrying a plate of steaming mashed potatoes with gravy to the table.

Gregory's jaw dropped as he looked around the polished dining room. "Wow..." he uttered.

     In the meantime, Sophia crossed her arms and tightened her lips. Sophia attempted to move past the doorway, but Edgar kept pushing her back into her room. Sophia scoffed, glaring at Edgar, but all Edgar could do was force a smile.

"Can you, uhm, please let me go?" Sophia asked Edgar, slowly losing her patience.

"Wait! So! Uh! Uhh—" Edgar's eyes quivered.

"You're making me uncomfortable," Sophia stated firmly as she pushed through the door.

Edgar swiftly grabbed Sophia's shoulders and leaned his face closer to hers. "Sophia, we both know that neither of us has any intentions with anybody!" said Edgar.