Two guards dressed in red swing open the grand double doors, revealing a wide entrance. Oliver and his companions, accompanied by Regina, step inside, crossing the red carpet. Upon entering the gilded chamber, Oliver and his companions feel their hearts beating louder than their breaths while Regina maintains her neutral, smiling face.

     On both the left and right walls, three windows of immense size stand with elegant arched curves. Sunlight filters through the crystal glass, casting a blinding glow on the dozen human-sized pearl chandeliers. Panels of gold carvings adorn the interior, featuring sharp linear patterns. Red carpets cover the dark wooden floor, creating a striking contrast against the light, milky-white ceiling. Glistening gold accents infuse the space with a warm ambience, complementing the bluish tint that permeates the windows.

     A gradual smile spreads across Oliver's face. He spins around, charmed by every minute detail around the golden walls. Oliver lets out a huff of amazement as the gold in the room reflects and sparkles before his eyes. His gaze then lands on a throne with a red seat facing them at the doorway.

"Welcome to the throne room," Regina exclaimed, stretching her arms upward as she approached the throne.

"Your Majesty, your palace is a wonder," Oliver remarked, gazing at every corner.

"Thank you," Regina smiled as she settled into the warm red seat of the golden throne.

"In what way may I be of service here, Your Majesty?" Oliver asked, raising his shoulders.

"Oh, you don't have to serve me. I didn't even ask any of you to serve me," Regina responded softly. "But... may I request one favour from you, Mr Podeshire?" she asked timidly.

"Yes, of course," Oliver replied. "How may I help?"

"So... I've been deeply inspired by Markus and Marie. And I wish to honour their memory. I want their story to be remembered, so I plan to display a monumental artefact within these gilded walls," Regina explained. "And I thought, perhaps... you could create it with your elemental powers."

"Me? Create a monumental item?" Oliver raised his thumb, pointing at himself.

"Yes, you have elemental powers, correct?" Regina nodded gently.

"Yes, I do have," said Oliver.

"In that case," Regina stood up and approached Oliver with her hands folded. "Mr Podeshire, could you summon a monumental item, using the elements of your choice, to commemorate King Markus II and Marie Podeshire? The elements could be as simple as water on glass. I seek no luxury," she asked kindly. "Your actions will be cherished."

"I understand, Your Majesty. I seek no luxury either," Oliver replied. "But regarding you, your dedication to restoring the countries once dominated by Auxgaurrde will be its own reward."

"Oh?" Regina's curiosity was piqued, her expression mixed with confusion and intrigue.

     Oliver brings his hands together, forming a circular position. As he joins his hands, white, glowing sparkles dance and shimmer around his palms. The sparkling fragments gradually merge, coalescing into a glowing orb that grows to the size of a man's head.

     As the luminous light gently fades, radiant rays of sunshine burst from Oliver's hands. Nestled within his palms rests a heart-shaped diamond. The gem gleams brightly, resembling a crystal-clear stream of water. It beautifully reflects the sun's rays gushing in through the nearby window.

"Impressive," Regina stammered, gawking at the heart-shaped diamond.

"Is this your desired item to honour our ancestors, Your Majesty?" Oliver queried.

"Yes," Regina replied with a bright grin. But, her smile faltered, turning into a contemplative frown. "But, it feels... it feels too much."

"Nothing's too much with my power," Oliver said. Then, with a warm smile, he passed the heart-shaped diamond to Regina. "Here, Your Majesty. Take it!"

"Thank you," Regina's smile bloomed with such joy that it seemed to transcend the boundaries of the cosmos.

     As the cold diamond touches her palms, Regina immediately feels its weight yanking her arms. As she cradles the crystal in her bare hands, she can sense it pulling at her entire torso. The mass of the diamond is so substantial that it almost slips from her grasp, akin to the weight of a fully grown adult.

"Oh—" Regina's voice trembled with surprise as she felt the weighty mass. "Oh!"

Swiftly, Oliver reached out and caught the diamond. "Oh!"

"Woah!" Regina's eyes widened as she hugged the diamond against her chest, using her arms to secure it. "Heh."

"Careful, it's quite heavy," Oliver cautioned.

"It is," Regina turned around and carefully placed the diamond on the throne. She brushed off her hands and glanced back at Oliver. "So..."

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Oliver raised his brows, fully attentive to Regina's words. "May I summon more?"

"Oh, there's no need," Regina waved her hands dismissively.

"Then, I'm grateful to have brought you contentment," Oliver said.

"I'm more than appreciative of what you have done for me. This... diamond is undoubtedly genuine, given its weight. It will make a splendid centrepiece and become part of the palace's history. It is massive! And! It must be worth millions of gold coins," Regina grinned. "I can double your reward if you wish."

"No, thank you, Your Majesty," Oliver politely declined.

"What do you desire in return? Surely, you deserve compensation. Would you like precious gems?" Regina inquired, offering a polite smile.

Meanwhile, Edgar tapped his finger on Gregory's shoulder and whispered, "I know what his answer will be."

"I do not require any payment, Your Majesty. I need no coins," Oliver responded.

"Are you sure?" A tinge of guilt crept into Regina's heart, realizing she had obtained something valuable without extending any reciprocation. "I would feel remorseful for taking something without an exchange..."

"Hmm..." Oliver glanced back at his companions, raising an eyebrow. He began reconsidering his options.

"Ahem," Edgar cleared his throat and rubbed his stomach. "Mhm...?"

Oliver smiled and turned to Regina. "Instead of money, might we request some food, please?"

"Well then," Regina smirked.