The night wraps the mansion in a blanket of breezy whispers, casting an air of peace on the grand estate. Silence and stillness linger in every corner as the rest of the ambience remains undisturbed. Suddenly, the tranquillity snaps as echoing thuds reverberate through the colossal halls, marking the hasty descent of two pairs of footsteps down the staircase.

     Oliver and Gregory bounded down the stairs, tightly clutching letters that held the weight of important news. As their shoes reached the lobby, they swiftly veered to the right, heading to the dining room. As they entered, their eyes fell on Frederick, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany, engaged in the pleasure of clinking champagne glasses.

Oliver's breaths came in small, hurried gasps as he took timid steps forward.

"Why the sudden rush, my son?" Frederick sipped his champagne, curiosity lacing his tone. "Is something amiss?"

Oliver glanced at Gregory, and Gregory looked back as he tightened his lips.

"Ooh, letters!" Edgar's finger pointed at the papers held in their hands.

Oliver took a deep breath and approached Frederick. "Dad, I've been summoned by world leaders," Oliver stated.

"Come again?" Frederick tilted his head as he raised a brow.

"The world leaders... they are summoning me. They need me. They're seeking my aid," Oliver explained as he handed the letter to his adoptive father. "Look at this mail."

Frederick began reading the letter, drawing the curiosity of the others.

"Uhm, Mr Fre— I mean... Dad, I suggest you examine the signature," Gregory interjected. "Can we trust it?"

Frederick responded. "Yes, indeed, we can trust it. This letter is from the Emrian court. The empress' signature appears authentic, as far as my memory serves. I held the position of mayor in Asbranne, after all."

"Oh, and how about this one?" Oliver handed another piece of mail to his adoptive father.

Frederick swiftly reviewed the signature. "I do believe this is from King Benjamin. His signature is quite recognizable..."

"So, what I am saying is honest," Oliver declared, folding his hands and meeting the eyes of his friends. "Honest."

"But why are they looking for you anyway?" Sarrah asked.

"Well... long story short, the world leaders need my aid in repairing the damages caused by recent global disasters," Oliver explained. He closed his eyes and shook his head lightly. "There's no time to explain fully. But I'll share all the details once I return."

"Wait, you're going alone??" Gregory's gaze turned stern.

"Uh, of course," Oliver replied.

"No, you won't! You're not leaving this household without me. I'm coming with you," Gregory demanded.

"Uh-oh. We have an overprotective spouse here," Edgar snickered in the background.

"Greg. People require my help restoring their lands ravaged by disasters," Oliver shook his head.

"So, you plan to travel the world to mend the damages, I presume, using your powers?" Bethany inquired.

"Correct." Oliver bobbed his head.

"...Without us?" Sarrah crossed her arms, raising a brow.

"What do you mean?" Oliver asked.

"Without us, she means," Gregory crossed his arms, widening his stance. "We're coming with you."

"First you, and now all of you?" Oliver's eyes widened in surprise.

"Come now. Gregory's right. Let us join you," Sarrah insisted.

"And let us embark on new adventures, like the old times!" Bethany beamed.

Oliver inhaled deeply, turning to face Frederick. "Dad...?"

"Hmm?" Frederick's gaze shifted to Oliver.

"I seek your permission... may we embark on a quest around the world, as the world leaders request my aid...?" Oliver's voice trailed off.

"As long as you all exercise caution, I grant my permission," Frederick grinned.

Gregory, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany cheered, and Oliver found himself leaping in surprise at the sudden outburst of support.

     As the morning sun peeks over the horizon, the dark blue sky transforms into a beautiful gradient of orange and gold. Sunlight paints the atmosphere with its soft, golden rays. The melodious songs of birds fill the air as flocks soar above the clouds.

     Oliver, dressed in a comfortable cotton shirt and knee-length shorts with stockings, stood before his wardrobe, admiring his reflection in the clear-glass mirror. Opening the closet doors, he swiftly selected folded clothes and tossed them onto his bed. Oliver then slipped into a shirt with a green collar and buttons.

     After slipping into his sleek black trousers and trusty, shiny black shoes, Oliver turned towards the wardrobe and reached inside, rummaging through the garments until he found a crisp white vest. He swiftly donned it, the fabric hugging his lean frame. He then grabbed a charming moss-green tailcoat, carefully draping it over his shoulders.

     Once dressed, Oliver stood before a mirror, running his fingers through his fiery hair, styling it neatly. Stepping back from his reflection, he approached an elegant wooden nightstand, where a golden ring with a dazzling diamond rested. He then picked up the radiant ring and slid it onto his finger.

     Oliver's gaze fixed on the diamond on his ring. Its reflective lights danced in all directions, evoking memories of the day he and his beloved lover united their souls. A content smile formed on Oliver's face as he released a soft exhale through his nose.

     Oliver's footsteps carry him towards the door, striding out of his bedroom. He then descends the grand staircase and glances at the splendour of his surroundings. As he reaches the lobby, he sees his companions waiting for him and joins them under the chandelier.

     Gregory wears a white shirt and a cravat tie around his neck. He dons a vibrant orange waistcoat underneath his knee-length black coat. Coffee-brown trousers hug his defined legs, and polished leather shoes conceal his white stockings. As Gregory's eyes turn towards the staircase, a genuine smile graces his face, radiating unfiltered joy upon glimpsing his beloved descending towards him.

"Ready?" Oliver asked as he reached the glistening wooden floorboard of the grand lobby.

"Mhm," everyone nodded, turning to face Oliver.

     Standing beside Gregory is Edgar, clad in a coal-black coat adorned with silver buttons that catch the light. He also dons a white cravat tie and light trousers that complement his polished black shoes. The fabric of his clothes emits a delicate floral fragrance, boosting his confidence as he brushes his arms against others.

"Ed... did you even change your clothes?" Oliver asked, his tone tinged with disbelief as he pointed at Edgar.

"I did," Edgar replied, nodding with his eyes closed.

"That's the same outfit you wore yesterday," Oliver remarked, raising a brow.

"Hey, I changed!" Edgar's cheeks flushed as embarrassment washed over him.

     As a rough journey lies ahead, Sarrah gathers her tangerine hair into a high ponytail, accentuating it with tiny braids. She wears a white shirt underneath a vibrant honey jacket that provides a striking contrast against her black trousers and laced brown boots. Completing her look, she adorns herself with a brown belt with golden buckles and a pearl necklace with a silver heart pendant.

     As Bethany's head turns to face Oliver, her gorgeous curls brush against her shoulders. She drapes a cropped jade-green blouse over a white shirt. She wears trousers in a similar colour and a contrasting pair of brown lace-up boots. And like Sarrah, she dons a pearl necklace with a silver heart pendant.