The fire crackles and spits, its flames emitting a distinct sound as they consume the firewood, reducing it to ash. Clear-grey smoke rises and drifts into the chimney above. The cold that once roamed every corner of the room has now been replaced by a warmth reminiscent of mid-summer outdoors. One's skin no longer shivers as the comforting heat spreads to every nook and cranny.

     Everyone gathers in the lounge, each finding their place. Oliver occupies a one-person sofa while Gregory reclines on the padded armrest. The girls—Sophia, Sarah, and Bethany—settle comfortably on a spacious couch, with Edgar standing behind them, his hands resting on the camel-shaped backrest. Meanwhile, Frederick rests on a wooden chair, pouring a steaming beverage from a kettle next to a circular table where seven white mugs lie.

     Dark, charcoal-coloured wooden planks compose the sturdy walls of the lounge, contrasting against lighter trimmings that resemble gleaming pearls. The warm orange-yellow rays of the setting sun illuminate the space through three large arched windows, piercing through the red curtains. A red carpet covers the wooden floor, providing a soothing element to the room.

     Three lit chandeliers hang from the white ceiling, bathing the room in a gentle glow. Fueled by burning firewood, the fireplace contributes to the overall brightness, shedding light throughout the space. As dusk falls and the outside world assumes a reddish hue, the mansion's interior grows brighter, creating an enthralling contrast.

     Frederick carefully pours the steaming, richly brown liquid into the last mug. He sets the kettle on the table, placing it on a porcelain plate. Then, he picks up a nearby cup by its handle and smiles at everyone in the room.

"Get your hot chocolate while it's warm," Frederick announced, gently blowing on his warm beverage.

"Oo!" Edgar exclaimed, eagerly reaching for a cup. "Ow—" His hand jerked back instinctively as he almost dropped the mug, feeling the intense heat.

"Careful, stupid," Sarrah told Edgar. She then turned and grabbed two cups for herself and Bethany.

Meanwhile, Gregory took two mugs and handed one to Oliver as he returned to his seat on the sofa's arm next to his spouse. "Here you go!"

"Thank you, Greg!" Oliver smiled gratefully, taking a large sip of his drink despite the boiling steam. "Hmm~" The sweet taste delighted his taste buds.

Gregory's eyes widened as he observed Oliver, and the others shared the same expression. "What...?" they whispered.

"Huh?" Oliver smirked, slightly perplexed by everyone's attention.

"Isn't the drink too hot?" Gregory asked in concern.

"It tasted great," Oliver replied, unfazed.

"Well. Any temperature seems not to bother him anyway," Sophia giggled.

Gregory's eyes widened even further, raising a brow in surprise.

Frederick looked at Oliver with a curious gleam on his face. "So," Frederick began.

Oliver met Frederick's gaze, his eyes lighting up. "Yes, Dad?"

"How was your journey?" Frederick questioned.

"It was wonderful," Oliver said, shaking his head.

"Really?" Frederick smirked, intrigued.

"Indeed! It is!"

"Where did you go first?" Frederick probed further.

"Hmm, I went to Hannsbarnne," Oliver replied, pointing towards Sophia. "Sophia's homeland!"

"Exactly," Sophia nodded.

"What were the conditions like in Hannsbarnne before you arrived?" Frederick asked as his curiosity grew.

"...It was truly terrible," Oliver admitted as his voice trembled slightly.

"Oh?"

"The entire land was like... a sandcastle... that broke apart," Oliver explained as his voice quivered.

"Oh, my," Frederick gasped, placing a palm on his worried heart. "How is Hannsbarnne doing now?"

"Don't worry, Dad," Oliver reassured him. "Hannsbarnne is now doing just fine."

"All thanks to Oliver," Sophia chimed in, whispering loudly.

"Yes, all thanks to Oliver," Sarrah added with a thrilled tone from behind. "He saved my parents' homeland, Emria."

"You went to Emria, Oliver?" Frederick asked.

"Yes," Oliver responded.

"What did you do there?" Frederick questioned curiously.

"Besides saving Emria from the eruption of Mount Tanayon, we were treated to a feast in the empress' palace!" Oliver revealed.

"You dined with the empress?" Frederick's eyes widened in astonishment.

"Yes!" Oliver replied enthusiastically, glancing at Sarrah. "And the food was delicious!"

"Yeah," Sarrah closed her eyes with a proud smile.

"We should try cooking Emrian food more often in the mansion," Oliver suggested. "Their cuisine is so exotic and unique!"

"I completely agree. It's a must-try," Edgar added with a grin.

Sarrah glanced at Edgar and smiled at him. "Hm."

Edgar smiled back at Sarrah, their gaze locking on each other as their eyes glistened.

"I'm glad I found a way to help Hannsbarnne and Emria," Oliver reflected. "Just one city of a country already holds colourful cultures. Nothing shall come by to destroy them."

"Nicely put, my son. So, where did your journey take you next?" Frederick inquired eagerly.

"Ojhori," Gregory responded with a deep, steady voice, his gaze falling to his shoes. "It was the most devastating scene I have ever witnessed."

"Ojhori... yeah," Oliver sighed.

"What happened there? Can you tell me?" Frederick asked.

"Oh, Mr Frederick, it left us all distraught," said Sophia.

"Yes, it was heartbreaking to witness what the people had gone through," Bethany added solemnly. "The agony had enslaved the entire land..."

"The once-majestic mountainous region had turned into a desolate plain," Oliver explained.

"How is that even possible?" Frederick wondered, raising a brow.

"The ashfall from Mount Tanayon buried the valleys, forming an ocean of ash," Gregory clarified.

"Oh..." Frederick gasped.

"It was devastating," Oliver frowned.

"But then you arrived and fixed everything," Gregory interjected.

Oliver looked at Gregory and smiled at him, filled with gratitude and warmth.