"Alright then. Where did you head next? Or was Kugi the last place you visited?" Frederick inquired, simultaneously questioning and speculating.

"Oh, we continued to explore more destinations," Oliver replied, still standing. "We went to Runtokgi and Aganulis afterwards,"

"Those places were unbearably hot," Sophia mused. "I must say, Runtokgi and Aganulis are the hottest realms I've ever set foot in," she admitted.

"Yeah. The air felt like boiling water," Sarrah emphasized.

"More like magma," Bethany exaggerated, leaning closer to Sophia.

"I do pay attention to what you all wear," Frederick observed, addressing the group. "I've noticed that your attire is not heavily layered, unlike what we typically wear in Asbranne. Your clothing provides sufficient coverage to protect your skin from the sun, yet the fabrics are light enough to keep you cool. It's perfectly suited for a hot climate."

"Now, just imagine if we insisted on wearing our Asbrannian outfits in the desert," Gregory pondered aloud.

"I wouldn't survived," Sarrah replied.

"Nor would I," Bethany raised her hand in agreement.

"I agree," Sophia nodded.

"We agree," Oliver, Gregory, and Edgar added their voices.

"No. Not you, Oli," Sophia snickered, playfully dismissing Oliver's opinion.

"Oops," Oliver sighed, clenching his teeth as he looked down and brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead with a finger.

Suddenly, Frederick pointed at the window. "Oh, look! It is snowing again!"

"And the sun is setting," Sophia observed, tracing the colourful horizon.

"...It's getting darker outside," Gregory gazed at the fading daylight beyond the window.

     The snow glowed white, standing out against the pitch-black surroundings. The wind huffed and blew fiercely, freezing everything it touched. Through the arched windows, the view became increasingly obscured and darker. Yet, the falling snow and the blanket of snow on the ground shimmered brightly under the faint glow of the moonlight.

     Oliver stands mesmerized, staring at the wintry scene outside the window. His golden eyes sparkle like precious ore, reflecting the warm glow of the candles on the chandeliers above him. The sight of the pristine, milky snow triggers a sudden recollection in Oliver's mind, causing him to gasp.

"Dad? What is today's date?" Oliver inquired.

"It's December twenty, eighteen twenty-seven," Frederick replied promptly, taking a final sip from his drink.

Oliver gasped and grinned at Gregory, who mirrored his expression.

"I think there's supposed to be an occasion today," Edgar scratched his head.

Quickly placing his mug on the table, Oliver stood beside his spouse. "Greg! Happy anniversary!" he leapt forward, hugging Gregory tightly around the neck.

"Woah," Gregory almost spilt his hot drink as Oliver jumped into his arms.

"I love you!" Oliver tightened his hug, expressing his affection.

Gregory returned the hug with his left arm, carefully holding his cup of hot chocolate with his right hand. "Happy second anniversary, my love," he whispered.

The couple closed their eyes, embracing the moment of love and togetherness.

"Aww, how sweet," Sophia smiled as she watched the affectionate scene. "After a year of deep friendship, these two friends became lovers. They have spent many years cherishing and nurturing their love, never letting go..." she narrated as her eyes sparkled with joy.

"Here goes Sophia with her monologues again," Edgar chuckled, covering his mouth to stifle his laughter, but it escaped in giggles. "Hehehe."

"Typical," Sarrah smirked, rolling her eyes playfully.

"My love for you shall spark forever," Oliver whispered into Gregory's ear.

Sarrah wrapped her arm around Bethany, watching the heartfelt display of affection between the two men.