Gregory raises a brow and looks to his sides. As his head turns to the right, he spots something far in the distance that causes him to grin. He quickly taps on his lover's shoulder.

"Hey, look!" Gregory exclaimed, pointing at a sign on their right.

Oliver quickly traced the direction where his spouse was pointing and spotted a sign. He squinted and read the lettering written on its wooden surface. "Ship to Hannsbarnne."

     Sarrah and Bethany immediately started walking in the direction where the sign pointed. As they marched along the concrete path, they swayed their hips and placed their fists on their waists. Sarrah then turned around, facing the men.

"So, what are we waiting for?" Sarrah asked with a playful smirk.

"Let's get moving!" Bethany grinned, glancing at the men.

Edgar stepped forward and snatched Oliver and Gregory's hands, yanking them forward. "Right, boys, let's go!" Edgar exclaimed.

"Woah! Hold on!" Gregory's eyes widened in surprise. "Slow down!"

"He's got quite the energy today," Oliver remarked to Gregory, trying to keep up with Edgar's brisk pace as Edgar pulled him along.

     The group marches in the direction indicated by the wooden sign, striding forward until they reach a point where they must halt. Oliver's gaze fixates ahead, and the sight before him steals his breath away. His eyebrows ascend on his forehead, and his agape mouth reveals the surprise hidden inside him.

     A colossal wooden ship rests on the shoreline, stretching as far as the eye can see. Its weathered planks bear the marks of countless voyages, telling tales etched into its very fibres. Round portholes stud its formidable frame, like watchful eyes that have witnessed the vast seas.

     A combination of black and yellowish-beige hues envelops the entirety of the ship, contrasting with the swaying curved anchor on the bow. Below the pointy jibboom spar rests a mermaid figurehead, casting her enchanting presence. Positioned at the stern is the rudder, extending outward as a steadfast companion through uncharted waters. Atop the ship lies a towering quarterdeck that reaches the sky, bustling with a dozen crew members dressed in blue uniforms, inspecting every intricate detail of the vessel.

     Three towering masts stand on the massive ship, casting white sails that unfurl with the wind. Resting on the deck are two lifeboats, one sitting on the port and the other on the starboard. Ropes weave around each sturdy pole, embracing the ship like a thick mist.

     A crew member climbed on a ladder on the mainmast, reaching the crow's nest perched high above. There, he grasped the bell's rope and pulled it, causing resounding chimes to resonate. The booming sound captured the attention of the bustling port, drawing a flood of curious crowd who gathered in anticipation. Excitement filled the atmosphere as the mighty ship docked, and the enthusiastic cheers reverberated through the space.

"...Wow..." Oliver locked his gaze on the ship as he stepped forward; he couldn't tear his eyes away.

     The gentle blue waters of the ocean splash as the ship slices through the current. A flock of white birds soar above the mighty vessel as they sing. The wind hums, caressing the flowing white sails adorning the three tall masts as the bell chimes from the crow's nest, echoing through the endless atmosphere.

     The sun lowered, casting rays that fractured into thousands of golden beams, reflecting a peach-coloured hue onto the thick clouds. The vast blue sea met the horizon, separating itself from the orange sky. As the world above gradually darkened, transitioning from vibrant orange-red to a subdued purple, stillness filled the air, freezing even the sound of voices.

     Oliver and his companions strolled on the deck, gazing at the ocean around them. They watched the sun's slow descent as its radiant light shimmered in their eyes. The wind whispered into their ears and brushed through their hair. As they reached the rear of the deck, they stopped and leaned against the ship's railings, facing the boundless ocean.

"Look. The sun is setting," Gregory pointed out.

"Already?" Oliver squinted, trying to catch the last glimpses of daylight.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Bethany said, staring at the colourful sky.

"Yeah," Oliver grinned, but his smile immediately faltered upon remembering the casualties of recent disasters. "...But... as peaceful as this voyage may seem, I can't help but worry about the people suffering in the world," said Oliver. "Especially Sophia..."

Gregory turned to Oliver. "We're all concerned," Gregory reassured him.

"I mean..." Oliver's gaze softened. "...It's my first time being summoned by leaders from different nations... all at once. If that's the case, it's only logical to assume there's a problem beyond imagination," Oliver sighed, glancing at the waves created by the ship's progress. "How can I not wonder about the suffering people must endure?"

"We'll make it through," Gregory affirmed, placing a comforting hand on Oliver's shoulder. "Don't worry."

Oliver smiled at Gregory, taking a deep breath to steady his thoughts.

     Suddenly, a resonating ring echoed behind Oliver and his companions. Startled, they quickly turn around to investigate. As they spin on their heels, their eyes instantly fall on a crew member striking a triangle instrument with a dinger, producing a melodic sound. Another ring reverberates through the air, captivating their attention once more.

"Oh, look. It's dinner time," said Gregory.

     Passengers enter the dining chamber flooded with numerous tables adorned with a lavish feast. Roasted turkeys and geese take centre stage on each table, accompanied by delectable side dishes like macaroni, mashed potatoes, stews, and curries. Candles flicker, casting a soft, warm glow throughout the room that brims with hundreds of people gathered together.

     Giggles, gossip, and whispers filled the corners of the chamber, and the loud clanging of utensils against plates added to the bustling noise inside. Tonight, people donned their finest outfits, with women sparkling in glistening dresses and men oozing charm. However, the Remaining Podeshire and his companions found themselves wearing the same clothes for the night.

"Ah! Muisken stew!" Oliver exclaimed, eagerly picking up his spoon and fork and digging into the feast. "I've missed this!"

Gregory glanced at Oliver and smiled. "Hm," he chuckled, observing his lover expertly slicing off a piece of beef from the stew.

Oliver took a bite and swallowed. But, suddenly, he winced, furrowing his brows as he felt a chunk stuck in his throat. "...Hmm..."

"Hm?" Gregory leaned forward, concerned.

"It's a little spicy," Oliver's eyes widened, and he let out an embarrassed giggle. "...No, actually, it's really spicy! Too spicy!" Oliver quickly reached for a glass of wine, taking a sip to soothe his palate. He then grabbed a napkin and wiped his lips.

"Mom! Look! Isn't that Oliver Podeshire?" a young child pointed.

"Yes, honey!" the mother responded.

Oliver noticed the child's gaze and returned it with a friendly, engaging smile. "Oh, hello!" Oliver greeted the child warmly.

The child bashfully hid behind his mother.

"He's just a bit shy," the mother explained, gently brushing her child's hair from the back.

"Oh," Oliver grinned, smiling at the mother. He then looked back at his companions. "I wouldn't want to be remembered choking on something spicy," he joked.

"Oh, trust me, you're far more memorable than that," Gregory reassured him with a playful response.

     A door creaks open, revealing a quaint cabin within. Oliver and Gregory enter, seeing an inviting bunk bed nestled against the wall. With a soft thud, the door swings shut, sealing them in peace.

"You? Choking?" Gregory chuckled. "Ha! That statement truly is tempting!"

Oliver raised an eyebrow, meeting Gregory's gaze. "Control, Gregory. Control," Oliver playfully teased. "Resist your temptations."

     With a seductive smirk playing on his lips, Oliver takes a step closer to Gregory. His arms wrap around Gregory's chest, causing him to emit a soft moan. As Oliver's fingertips delicately trace patterns on Gregory's back, he rests his head against Gregory's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his faint yet swift heartbeats. Oliver smiles and bites his lower lip, relishing the moment between them.

"God isn't unaware of what we do..." Oliver stated as he closed his eyes.

     Gregory wraps Oliver in a tender hug, his arms encircling his spouse's back with a gentle yet firm hold. As their bodies draw closer, Gregory feels the softness and warmth of Oliver's body. Gregory closes his eyes, inhaling deeply, savouring the intoxicating scent of wine and roses in Oliver's hair.

Oliver's eyes widened suddenly, pulling back from his beloved. "And I'm not unaware I need to go to the toilet," Oliver swiftly turned around and clutched his buttocks, hurrying towards the door. "Finishing up that spicy Muisken stew was not the wisest choice after all!" he muttered.

     The door slams shut, reverberating through the cabin. Gregory remains frozen, his eyes wide open, overcome by a sudden shock. Slowly, he moves to the bed behind him, sinking onto the soft mattress while maintaining an unbroken gaze at the closed doorway. The moment hangs in the thick air as Gregory grapples with the unexpected event.

"Okay—" Gregory stammered.