The two men hastened along the spacious pathway of the empty park, racing through an avenue lined with lime trees. As they ran, the foliage showered them with falling orange leaves. With each stride they took, a satisfying crunching sound resonated beneath their feet.

     While they ran, Oliver unleashed a light shockwave from his chest. It caused the falling leaves to freeze mid-air. The suspended leaves created an enchanting sight—as if time had come to a standstill.

"Tilemetafora!" Gregory chanted, grinning.

     Gregory casts a spell, pointing his sceptre forward. A radiant beam of light emits from the golden orb of his sceptre. Then, it shoots straight ahead in their direction.

     The light rays stop, transforming into a glowing white gate in the middle of the park's pathway. The gate embodies mystery, as it appears to be an entrance to an unknown realm, a white void that beckons Oliver and Gregory forward. Despite the uncertainty behind the glowing gate, the two men sprint towards it without hesitation.

     Dashing towards their destination, Oliver and Gregory jumped together. As they passed through the white gateway, their surroundings transformed dramatically. It was as if they had been instantly transported to the lush backyard behind Frederick's residence.

     Oliver's head wanders around. He looks left and right, taking a few seconds to comprehend that he is now standing in the spacious garden of his adoptive father's backyard. Relieved, Oliver turns around, facing Gregory with a broad smile.

"We're in our backyard, I suppose?" Oliver questioned.

Gregory walked towards Oliver as the glowing gate behind them gradually faded away. "Yeah," he confirmed.

"Wow! Teleportation power!? Now that's some trick I never see every day," Oliver exclaimed.

"Impressed?" Gregory asked, smirking and raising a brow.

"Indeed, I am!" Oliver responded.

     Oliver turns around, raising his hands. Then, he summons elements from his palms, alternating between left and right. Oliver begins strutting down the gravel path that leads back into the mansion.

     The elements dance in his hands, with particles of fire, water, snow, ice, and light spawning from his palms. Oliver revels in his power, smiling as he marches down the garden's path. Each time he summons an elemental spark, the air fills with the enchanting sound of magical sparkles.

     Meanwhile, Gregory trails over Oliver's back as he watches his beloved partner play with his elemental abilities. Witnessing someone utilize their magical powers fills Gregory with a sense of longing. Inspired by Oliver's display, Gregory taps his sceptre twice on the ground, causing its orb to sparkle with white glitter.

     In the meantime, Frederick, who has grown older with more wrinkles under his eyes, approaches a large window. He gazes at his reflection in the glass before shifting his focus outside. Frederick's eyes run across his garden, spotting Oliver and Gregory strolling around. Frederick smiles as he watches the two men walking together.

Suddenly, a gust of wind struck Oliver, interrupting him from playing with his powers. "Woah. That's a strong wind," he thought.

"I think there's a storm approaching," Gregory stated as he looked at dark clouds gathering in the atmosphere. "Look at the sky!"

"I can fix that!" Oliver smirked, placing his hands on his hips.

     Oliver spins his right hand, summoning a gleaming, white, sparkly material that shoots towards the sky. The element ascends towards the heavens, colliding with the dark clouds and causing them to dissipate. The gloomy sky transforms, and the vibrant blue hue of the atmosphere returns, with only a few scattered white clouds remaining.

"Wow," Gregory gasped. "You've just prevented a calamity before it could even occur."

"That's just part of my usual duties as the Defender of Asbranne," Oliver smirked, wiggling his brows.

     Oliver continues playing with his powers, summoning random elements from his hands. With a calm and leisurely pace, he strolls through the garden, enjoying the serene atmosphere. His glance lowers, watching each element hover into the air before fading away.

     Meanwhile, Gregory reaches into his pocket, grabbing a small black ring box. Anxiousness overtakes him as he gazes at the box, feeling a river of sweat forming on his forehead. His heartbeat quickens, and he takes a trembling breath, exhaling as he observes his lover from behind. Gregory takes a steady but hesitant step towards Oliver before abruptly halting, questioning whether it is the right moment for what he is about to do.

     Gregory's glance shifts to the ground. He shakes his head, closing his eyes, trying to collect his thoughts. A deep sigh streams through his lips as he gathers the courage he needs, determined to proceed with his decision.

"Oliver..." Gregory's voice quivered.

Oliver swiftly turned around and responded. "Yes?"

     Gregory knelt on the floor. As his hands trembled, he opened the ring box, revealing a dazzling golden ring. The sun's rays kissed the ring, causing it to sparkle and reflect light, casting a warm yellow glow that gleamed brightly. Gregory locked his gaze with Oliver's, his eyes filled with love as he prepared to make his heartfelt proposal.

"...Oliver Podeshire, my beloved," Gregory's voice trembled. "From the moment our eyes met, I knew our paths were destined to meet. Against all odds and despite the complexities of our family history, my heart has always wanted you by my side. Together, we have weathered storms and celebrated joys, and through it all, I have witnessed your incredible growth. You are an extraordinary person, and it... it is with every fragment of my soul that I declare my love for you." Gregory continued as his quivering voice became steady. "Oliver, it is you—only you—who has captured my heart. And today, I kneel before you, baring my soul and offering you the most sincere request... as I ask..." Gregory smiled. "...Oliver Podeshire, will you marry me?"