Later, on their way to the park, Oliver carries a tray of pasta drizzled with crimson sauce and meatballs. Gregory handles two green bottles of red wine while Edgar holds a large bowl with a roasted turkey. Trailing behind the men are Sophia, Sarrah, and Bethany. Like the men, the girls also bear an assortment of food. They walk cautiously, ensuring nothing drips or spills from their laden hands.

     Sophia cradles two baskets overflowing with tea sandwiches and fruits, including grapes, bananas, and apples. Sarrah holds a plate with a tall, creamy white cake that towers over her head. Meanwhile, Bethany carries a spare bottle of red wine and a basket of bread loaves.

     Oliver and his companions proceed along the park's gravel path, passing frozen ponds and showering tree leaves. They carefully make their way towards their awaiting hot air balloon, manned by its driver, stationed in the middle of the field. They walk firmly, maintaining steady hands and arms to prevent food from spilling out of their containers. As the group approaches the hot air balloon, the driver opens the waist-high door and begins tending to the burner, shovelling coal and adding fuel. With two swift strikes of smooth stones, he ignites the furnace with flames.

     In the meantime, Oliver and his companions reach the hot air balloon. They step in one by one through the narrow door. Instead of sitting immediately, they place their steaming food on the seats. They then stand in the middle, crowding the centre of the vessel.

     Bethany steps forward, closing and locking the hot air balloon's door. She then glances back at Sarrah, positioning herself on the left. Oliver gazes through the park's tall iron gateway, where a black carriage awaits. Inside the carriage is Regina, bidding her farewells and waving her hand high in the sky.

     Oliver waves back, locking eyes with Regina. But the black carriage begins to move away, and their connection snaps. Once the carriage turns around in their direction, Oliver lowers his hand and grips the hot air balloon's railing, feeling the weight lifting him into the sky. He then takes a deep breath and sighs in relief.

     As the hot air balloon ascends higher, meeting the clouds, the icy-cold atmosphere surrounds the group, and thick clouds obscure their surroundings. All they can see is a vast expanse of whiteness and blankness. Oliver tightly holds onto the railings, peering downward, only to see a plain white cloth textured like dense cotton.

     The hot air balloon continues its journey, and the white clouds disperse, revealing the boundless sky. The deep blue ocean emerges below, stretching as far as the eye can see. In the distance lies a connected landmass, and upon closer inspection, the nation of Asbranne appears, akin to a smudged grey paint on a vibrant green canvas.

     Moving through the sky, the hot air balloon glides across thinner white clouds. It maintains a steady course, propelled by the gentle, tranquil wind, guiding it closer to Asbranne. Despite its proximity, the city appears minuscule, almost as small as a child's toy.

     The air begins to stir gently, and the surroundings become progressively bluer. Softly falling snowflakes descend from the sky, creating a serene ambience. The atmosphere becomes imbued with an unparalleled sense of peace, where the only audible sound is the gentle rustle of the smooth, snowy winter breeze.