The mountainside of the great plateau has finally been restored. Its once rugged contours have become a smooth crest stretching from the mountain's peak to its base. A winding pathway now draws on its surface, constructed from sturdy pebbles and cobbles, forming a zigzag road that invites exploration.

     Oliver turns around. His golden eyes shine like the setting sun as he faces his companions and the awe-struck residents. He smiles and clasps his hands behind his back, glancing from left to right.

     A thunderous applause erupts, filling the air with a blaring roar. The cheering crowd, unable to contain their excitement, cover their ears against the noise as their voices soar as high as the atmosphere. Hands clap in unison, creating a rhythmic celebration, while others wave enthusiastically, expressing gratitude for the restored plateau. But amidst the sea of jubilant faces, one woman stands out.

     The woman emerges from the midst of the hundreds, wearing a vibrant red dress that flows from under her bust to her ankles. A matching bonnet rests atop her head, completing her ensemble. Her hair, reminiscent of honey, cascades into curls that frame her face, and her eyes shimmer like emeralds, mirroring the radiant gaze of Sophia herself.

"...Honey?" the woman approached Sophia.

Sophia turned around and smiled. "Hello, Mother," she greeted the woman warmly.

Curiosity gleamed in the woman's eyes as she inquired, "What is all this bustling commotion about?"

"Look!" Sophia grinned, pointing at the freshly fixed road along the mountainside of the plateau.

     The woman's gaze followed the direction where Sophia pointed. Her eyes landed on the restored mountainside, and genuine astonishment painted her face as her hands flew to her mouth. Her eyes widened even further as they locked on the Remaining Podeshire, standing a few meters before her.

The woman hurriedly approached the Remaining Podeshire, squinting to get a clearer view. "...Oliver??" she huffed.

Oliver gasped. "Mrs Casalee?"

"Oh, Oliver!" the woman exclaimed with delight, pinching Oliver's cheeks in excitement. "My, am I glad to see you again!" It soon became apparent that the woman was Amelia Casalee, Oliver's former teacher from his youth. "Do you remember me? It's me, Amelia Casalee! Sophia's mother and your former teacher! Oh! And Layla's former friend... well... Layla and I are no longer friends after I learned what she did to you..."

Oliver's smile widened even more. "Wow, I'm so happy to see you again, Ma'am!"

"How have you been? Your eyes look different now! I thought they were brown," Amelia leaned closer, placing a palm gently on Oliver's cheek.

     While the two engage in conversation, the rest of the onlookers watch with faint smiles. Then, a blonde man with piercing mint eyes squeezes through the crowds. Clad in a blue coat with white undergarments, he brushes off the dust from his clothes as he approaches Amelia. With a composed smirk, he stands behind her, gently placing a palm on her shoulder.

"Oh, Mr Evan Casalee?" Oliver pointed out.

"Is that you, Oliver?" Evan's eyes widened in recognition.

"It is! It's Oliver Podeshire!" Amelia beamed, gripping Oliver's hands. "My, you have so much to tell me! Where are you living now?"

"I reside with the former mayor of Asbranne," Oliver replied proudly.

Amelia gasped, her hands flying to her face. "Oh! How splendid! Forgive me for asking, but do you have new adoptive parents?" she inquired politely.

"Mhm! I have a new adoptive father, Frederick Alcadee," Oliver nodded.

"He was the mayor of Asbranne!" Amelia looked at Evan.

"Surely, with such a prestigious background as the son of the former mayor of Asbranne, the Remaining Podeshire, and the Defender of Asbranne, you must have a noble wife or someone connected to the aristocracy," Evan winked playfully.

"Oh, I have a husband," Oliver stated as he folded his hands.

Amelia and Evan's jaws dropped.

Gregory stood beside Oliver. "Hello," he greeted Amelia and Evan.

"You must be Oliver's spouse?" Amelia pointed, eager to know.

"I am," Gregory nodded.

Amelia gasped, gently placing a hand on Gregory's lightly bearded face. "Oh my! I'm so happy!" she turned to Evan. "Say!" she then looked at Oliver and his friends. "As the night begins to chill, would you and your companions be willing to stay with us?"

"Oh, thank you, Mrs Casalee. But... other world leaders are still urgently seeking me," Oliver replied kindly.

"Oh? What happened?" Amelia asked in concern.

"Well... disasters have also occurred worldwide... and world leaders need me to help restore their lands, just as I did here in Hannsbarnne," Oliver explained.

"Oh... well... in that case, please take care," Amelia responded, her face paling with shock.

Suddenly, a voice emerged behind Oliver.

"Oh! Thank you!"

Oliver turned around and saw Christopher ascending the plateau. "Oh!"

Christopher walked forward, approaching Oliver. "Mr Oliver Podeshire, I'm thoroughly impressed with your restoration of our landmark. As a token of my appreciation, please name your reward, and I shall grant it to you," Christopher said, shaking Oliver's hand.

"Oh, there's no need," Oliver replied, closing his eyes.

Sophia, Gregory, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany, who had been eavesdropping behind Oliver, exchanged surprised glances at his refusal.

"Oh? Uh... ah... are you sure...?" Christopher was puzzled.

"Yes, sir," Oliver nodded.

"I... I am amazed that you would decline an opportunity to earn income from your efforts," said Christopher.

"It's because I do it for the sake of humankind, not for money," Oliver smiled.

Christopher smiled back at Oliver, captivated by his remarkable statement. "...Nevertheless, I shall bestow upon you a title as a celebrated hero here in Hannsbarnne, ensuring that our history remembers you," he declared.

"Thank you," Oliver grinned, his smile spreading from ear to ear.

Amelia stepped closer to Oliver. "So, Oliver, are you certain you won't stay here for the rest of the night? You know how chilly it can get!" she asked.

"I am! I need to reach other destinations as soon as possible," Oliver replied politely, wearing a smile.

"How do you plan to travel to your desired destination?" Amelia queried.

"Hmm. Honestly, I'm not sure. My companions and I have spent most of our money on the journey from Asbranne to Hannsbarnne. We barely have enough coins to afford passage on a ship to our next location," Oliver scratched his head, explaining the situation.

"Oh! We have marvellous transportation here in Hannsbarnne that allows you to travel through the skies for just a few silver coins!" Christopher stated. "Follow me, Mr Podeshire!"

     Oliver and his companions trailed over Christopher's back, tracing his path through the land. They weaved through the vast expanse of the plateau's flat land, their footsteps echoing as they pressed forward. After a considerable journey, navigating corners and cutting through roads, they finally arrived at their destination.

     Before them stands a bricked station, stretching as long as five grand apartments combined. Its front showcases a series of vertical columns, elegantly spaced to create welcoming gaps for people to pass through. The station carries a split domed roof adorned by crystal-clear skylight glass, gleaming under the moonlight. On the opposite side of the station's entrance, a line of gigantic balloons awaits, their immense size comparable to the humongous sails of a ship.

"Wow! What're those?" Oliver whispered to Gregory as they ascended the steps towards the station's entrance.

"I believe those are hot air balloons," Gregory replied, his gaze fixed on the inflated balloons peeking through the structure. "They were invented fairly recently, in seventeen eighty-three, by two brothers."

"Wow," Oliver remarked.

As Sophia followed closely behind, she leaned in and whispered into Amelia's ear. "Mother?"

"Yes, dear?" Amelia leaned closer.

"Can I go with them, please?" Sophia asked kindly.

"Oh?" Amelia raised a brow as they walked.

"Please, pretty please?" Sophia pleaded.

"Uhm... but... I don't want you getting hurt, my dear," Amelia responded as she gently shook her head.

Evan chimed in. "Remember, Amelia. Sophia bravely fought off monsters a few years ago and miraculously survived. Our daughter is a strong young lady," Evan stated.

"Well... well then. Go ahead! Just stay safe and stick close to your friends so you don't get lost," Amelia said, smiling at Sophia.

"Yay!" Sophia exclaimed with pure happiness, embracing her parents, Amelia and Evan. "Thank you! Love you both!"