"I mean... it's not a big deal," Oliver shrugged. He then proceeded to inform Frederick. "But, tomorrow, I shall give another speech in the town centre."

"People are discussing your sentiments and the object of your admiration. Before we proceed with your speech for tomorrow, perhaps, as your adoptive father, may I be worthy to know who you like?" Frederick inquired politely.

"Oh, my goodness! Dad, you're starting to sound just like those gossiping folks!" Oliver grumbled.

     Oliver hurries to the grand staircase. He quickly climbs up the stairs and sprints to a hallway. He continues running down the corridor until he halts.

     Oliver then grabs the doorknob in front of him and swings the door open. Hurryingly, he enters his bedroom and shuts the doorway, causing the walls to shudder. Oliver turns around and rests his forehead on the door, slamming his fist.

     Meanwhile, Frederick has his eyes wide after seeing Oliver storm out of his presence. He stands in confusion. He looks at the floor and scratches his head. He then walks towards the stairs and ascends, leaving the others in the lobby.

     Sarrah and Bethany hug each other, feeling the comforting warmth of their body passing onto one another. They look into each other's eyes for a quick moment as they smile. Then, they turn to the stairs and climb up the staircase.

"My, where might you ladies be going?" Sophia wondered.

"We're off to see if Oliver's doing alright," Sarrah replied, gently clasping Bethany's hands.

"And if not, we'll comfort him," Bethany said, smiling.

"Good idea! I shall come with you as well!" Sophia followed the girls up the stairs.

     Gregory's head turns around as he watches the ladies ascend to the second floor. As his glance slowly rises to the ceiling, the chandelier's glow causes the tears in his eyes to glimmer. He then looks down at his black shoes. Slowly, teardrops begin to fall, leaving glistening trails upon the polished leather.

     Upon discovering Oliver's admiration for another, Gregory's heart pounds in his chest, and its rhythm echoes like a relentless drumbeat. A sharp ache pierces his core. Sighing, he embraces himself, pressing his palms against his chest.

     With a trembling voice, Gregory releases a heavy sigh. However, the pain in his torso intensifies, constricting him like unyielding metallic chains that seem to squeeze his entire being. He grits his teeth, wanting to extinguish the anguish engulfing him.

"Are you fine...?" Edgar asked as he leaned his head towards his cousin.

     Gregory quickly shook his head and winced his eyes as he sniffled. He then glanced down at his worried cousin. Gregory didn't utter a word but looked back at the floor again with a long frown.

"Hey, are you alright?" Edgar's voice brimmed with concern as he pulled his cousin closer to him.

Gregory swiftly wiped the tears from his eyes. "Y-yeah," he stammered.

"You're crying?" Edgar gasped in shock.

"No, I'm not..." Gregory sighed.

Edgar probed further. "...No, you're crying. What seems to be troubling you?"

"...Alright, I'm crying... because..." Gregory hesitated for a moment, quickly concocting a lie. "Because I... I accidentally shattered my favourite wine glass this morning..."

"Pfft. Don't worry!" Edgar leapt. "We'll get you a new one."

"...Thank you," Gregory replied, slowly regaining his ability to smile. "Heh, you know, Ed? You remind me of myself. We share the same upbeat and joyful nature... I should find that nature again within me..."

"Well... the only difference is that you're not infatuated with someone," Edgar teased, winking mischievously. "But I am!"

"Oh? I forgot to ask. Who might that be?" Gregory questioned.

"I won't tell," Edgar replied, crossing his arms, stepping back playfully, and raising an eyebrow. "But I can assure you, it's no longer that girl."

"...Alright, fair enough," Gregory scratched his head, chuckling softly. "Who was the young maiden you were smitten with before? Was it—"

"Don't bring it up," Edgar glared at Gregory, tightening his lips.

"As you say so," Gregory responded.

"By the way, uhmm... can I seek your advice?" Edgar bashfully asked, glancing down.

"Advice?" Gregory tilted his head.

"Yes! I need some guidance in dating," Edgar exclaimed with a hint of excitement. "I'm thinking of asking this young lady out, so..."

"Why would you ask me? I've never been in a relationship," Gregory stepped back. "Go ask Sarrah and Bethany instead."

"Brother—" Edgar leaned on Gregory's shoulder.

"Cousin," Gregory corrected.

"Brother..." Edgar insisted. He then continued. "I'm afraid to ask Sarrah and Bethany for advice. They're both ladies, and I worry that their perspectives may not fully align with my experiences as a guy. That's why I feel it would be more beneficial to seek advice from a fellow lad!" Edgar babbled. "Like you!"

"Alright, fine. I'll give you advice," Gregory crossed his arms.

"Really!?" Edgar grinned.

"But, remember, I am a single man. So, my advice is not worth taking," he pointed out.

"Just tell me!" Edgar smiled as he sprang to his feet.

"Alright... first and foremost, avoid being overly clingy, alright?" Gregory stated. "But don't act like you don't care about her either. It's all about... finding a balance. Also, focus on presenting yourself attractively, both physically and mentally. Take care of your appearance, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and exercise regularly to enhance your physical attractiveness. Cultivate maturity, sincerity, and authenticity to be mentally appealing. Make her laugh with your playful jokes, but avoid being silly when she's feeling down."

"...Where are you all getting this from?" Edgar's jaw dropped. "You said you've never dated anyone before."

"Perhaps it's a fragment of wisdom from a past life," Gregory speculated.

"...Epic..." Edgar deadpanned with a glint in his eyes before hastening upstairs. "Anyways, thanks!"

Gregory stood speechless, watching Edgar ascend the staircase.