"So, it's truly from the chief?" Oliver asked.

"It is," Gregory responded. "The situation described by the chief perfectly aligns with the details shared by Sophia."

Oliver's understanding deepened as realization dawned on him. "...It's all coming together," Oliver nodded.

Gregory glanced at Oliver. "Yeah, it's logic," Gregory concurred as he returned the letter.

     Oliver's eyes drift to the cluttered surface of the desk, where another piece of mail awaits. Intrigued, he reaches out, grasping the envelope. Carefully tearing it open, his gaze fixates on the words penned within. With a deep breath, he begins to narrate.

Oliver's voice resonated through the room. "Dear Oliver Podeshire," Oliver read aloud. "...Reports from our diligent people recount a peculiar occurrence—a transient shower of ash descending from the heavens that immediately dissipated. Our suspicions turn to the nearby volcanic peak known as Mt Tanayon. In response, we dispatched intrepid scouts to investigate the matter further..." Oliver paused for a quick moment and adjusted his posture. He then continued. "...The scouts' findings were disconcerting. They discovered that molten lava, with ominous deliberation, creeps closer to our beloved city with each passing day. Their vigilance has been persistent, yet the ceaseless advance of the lava offers no respite. In this hour of utmost need, we appeal to you, Oliver Podeshire, to extend your gallant aid in thwarting the looming catastrophe. Your valour shall be richly rewarded, for your noble deeds shall not go unnoticed. With utmost sincerity, Empress Olga Irina of Emria..."

"It came from the Emrian court?" Gregory asked, seeking confirmation.

Oliver's gaze shifted to the top corner of the letter, scrutinizing the elegant script for the telltale mark. After a moment of careful examination, he nodded. "Yeah," Oliver affirmed.

"So, both the Chief of Hannsbarnne and the Empress of Emria are looking for your aid?" Gregory asked, raising a brow.

"Yes. And wait," Oliver nodded. He then grabbed another letter and began reading. "...Dear Oliver Podeshire," Oliver spoke, his brows furrowed. "Within our humble village, we find ourselves besieged by an unrelenting deluge of volcanic ash descending on our mountainous abode. The depths to which this ashen tide shall bury us remains a harrowing uncertainty as we pen this urgent missive..." Oliver's hands quivered, causing the letter to wrinkle. "We seek your assistance, for our collective livelihoods hang in the balance. The ceaseless onslaught of ash threatens to engulf our cherished land, transforming it into an uninhabitable wasteland. As the Chieftain of Numura Village within the vast expanse of Ojhori, I ask you, kind sir, to save us. With deepest sincerity... Lee Shucho, Chieftain of Numura Village, Ojhori..."

Oliver and Gregory looked at each other, staring into each other's eyes.

"Wow... I guess there's a global issue, then," Gregory remarked.

Oliver opened another letter. "Look, it's from Geveria." His glance darted at the letter, and he began reading. "A devastating earthquake has unleashed its wrath on one of our esteemed cities in Geveria, reducing the Government House to ruin. Heart-wrenching accounts speak of countless souls trapped within the fallen edifice. In the face of this calamity, I, Emperor Shiro of Geveria, stand in my decision to reach out to you and ask for your assistance in rescuing our politicians from the clutches of impending doom. If you accept this urgent plea and help Geveria, I shall reward you. Please, make haste and join us in this time of great need. Sincerely yours... Emperor Shiro of Geveria."

Gregory's gaze locked with Oliver's. "...Do you contemplate accepting these pressing quests and venturing to these distant lands?" Gregory asked.

"I... I'm not sure yet. It's too overwhelming," Oliver admitted, shaking his head as he opened another mail. "...This one's from Kugi," he stated.

"Read it," Gregory said.

"I, King Benjamin Levi, humbly ask you for your mercy," Oliver read. "Our tranquil shores in Kugi have been ravaged by an unforgiving wave, a merciless force that has brought destruction and flooding upon our coastal lands. The toll of this calamity has been unimaginable, with thousands of lives tragically lost in its wake. The once vibrant port, now stripped bare, stands as a haunting witness to the devastation that occurred," Oliver huffed as his eyes widened. "...News of your remarkable abilities has reached our ears. And we ask you to bring your formidable power to bear upon our afflicted land. Your presence and assistance are sought to heal our wounded shores and offer peace to those who have suffered immeasurable loss. Your selfless aid shall forever be rewarded and cherished between our realms and the enduring gratitude in our hearts..."

Gregory reached out, offering a letter that had caught his attention. "Here. How about this one?" he suggested.

Oliver accepted the letter, gently unfolding it. As he read its contents, a sense of urgency mingled with empathy began to permeate his voice. "...In the heart of our dunes, an insidious wildfire rages, consuming the precious oases that provide respite amidst our scorching climate," Oliver narrated. "Despite the valiant efforts of our guards, the relentless flames persist, defying all attempts to be quelled. The consequences of this calamity loom ominously, for should these oases succumb, our city will be stripped of its life-sustaining plantations and the fresh, drinkable water that sustains our very existence..." Oliver pressed his lips as his brows furrowed. "Moreover... the acrid smoke, borne from the relentless wildfire, engulfs our city, filling the air with an unwelcome sharpness. Our collective efforts to extinguish the inferno have thus far proven futile." Oliver took a moment to catch his breath and continued. "Please... please do accept the noble task of saving our cherished oasis. We kindly ask you to journey to Runtokgi. Know that your valiant deeds shall be met with due reward and our everlasting gratitude. Sincerely... King Elijah Goldmann..."

Gregory's brows knitted together. "Okay... if I comprehend correctly, world leaders are imploring for your assistance?" Gregory inquired.

"Seems like it," said Oliver. "They need my help."

Gregory took a letter and carefully unfolded it. "Our towns and villages have languished under the grip of an incessant drought, enduring months of scorching heat," Gregory narrated, his voice tinged with empathy. "The uncompromising sun withers our crops, and our livestock suffers from illness in the face of this unbearable climate. If this situation continues, our farmlands will die, leading to a menacing spectre of food shortages. The threat of mass starvation threatens countless lives..." he ventured as his voice deepened. "We, the people of Aganulis, find ourselves powerless to control or manipulate the relentless heat that engulfs our land. Yet, as a Podeshire, you possess the unique ability to influence such elemental forces. Thus, we humbly exhort you for your aid and assistance in ending this unbearable heat. We shall forever be grateful for your selfless duty and effort in resolving this pressing issue. Once the crisis has been averted, you may freely name your desired reward..." Gregory looked up from the letter, his eyes meeting Oliver's. "Sincerely yours... Aaron Arenberg. Ruler of Rosen Village, Aganulis..."

Oliver opened another letter, and his eyes widened in surprise. "It's from Sophia!" he gasped, passing the mail to Gregory.

Gregory quickly scanned the letter, squinting in concentration. "It's... it's the same as the letter I received from Sophia," Gregory said.

Oliver sighed. "...What should I do?" he pondered.

"Are you going to respond to those in need of help?" Gregory asked.

     Oliver glanced at Gregory, locking his eyes in a moment of contemplation. His gaze remained fixed on his spouse as thoughts swirled in his mind, searching for an answer. Tension wrapped around his skull, constricting his head like a tight belt. But, slowly, the weight burdening Oliver's mind dissipated, and he regained his ability to smile as the pressure around his head lifted.

Oliver smirked. "I'm a Podeshire," he replied.

     Locked in a mesmerizing gaze, the couple's eyes communicated a depth of understanding that words could not capture. Joy played across their faces as their lips curved into matching grins. Their faces softened as they released deep breaths through their noses.