"Oh, what's your question?" Lee inquired, eager to address Oliver.

Oliver cleared his throat. "My companions and I must head to Geveria next. Is it nearby?" he asked.

"Oh, it is quite a distance away. Whether on foot or horse, it will take you several days!" Lee answered.

"Could you provide us with directions to Geveria? And how far is it from here?" Oliver further inquired.

Lee pointed towards a summit behind them. "Head behind that mountain, towards the south. Continue southward through forests until you reach the Ojhorian Sea. From there, continue across the plains. At first, you will encounter fewer houses, but as they multiply, you'll know you've arrived in Geveria," Lee explained, outlining their route.

"Okay. We'll pass south of that summit, continue walking south through forests until we reach the sea, and then proceed across the plains until we see more buildings," Oliver summarized, committing the directions to memory.

"You've got it!" Lee confirmed with a nod.

"Oh, great!"

Lee's voice carried a tinge of disappointment. "Wait... you're leaving already...?" he mumbled.

"Yes, Geveria also requires our assistance," Oliver explained, smiling at Lee. "Other countries, cities, and towns need our help. We've already been to various places, and it's time to move on."

"I understand," Lee sighed. "Once again, thank you for visiting. Our village will remember you, and I will ensure your recognition by erecting a statue in your honour in our village's history," he said, mustering a smile to mask the glimmer of sadness in his eyes.

Oliver returned the smile. "Thank you. Now, good luck. Remember to send me a letter if your village ever needs rescue again."

"I will," Lee beamed, his smile genuine and grateful. As the Remaining Podeshire and his companions turned around to leave, Lee raised a hand and called them back. "Oh, wait!"

Oliver turned to face Lee. "Yes?"

"Uhm... may I... um, give you..." Lee's gaze dropped to the floor, his fingers fidgeting bashfully. "Uhm, may I give you..."

"It's okay. Just tell me," Oliver reassured Lee with a warm smile.

"May I give you a hug...?" Lee asked timidly.

"..." Gregory raised a brow, crossing his arms.

Oliver glanced at Gregory, understanding the unspoken concern. "If my spouse won't be mad or jealous..."

"Go ahead. Just two seconds," Gregory grumbled, averting his gaze.

"Alright, two sec—" Oliver chuckled. But, before he could finish speaking, Lee lunged forward, cutting off his words.

Lee wrapped his arms around Oliver, engulfing him in a heartfelt embrace. "Thank you!" Lee said. He quickly released his grip, realizing his enthusiasm had gotten the best of him.

"Hm. Alright. Now, take care of yourself and your people," Oliver said as he composed himself and turned around to continue walking.

Gregory's expression hardened, and he shot Lee a sharp, fierce glare as a low growl reverberated through his lips.

"Oh," Lee noticed Gregory's face, causing his lips to tighten and his gaze to fall to the ground, understanding the tension in the air.

     Oliver and his group cautiously crossed a hanging bridge, carefully crossing it one person at a time. The bridge was as narrow as a bedroom doorway, leaving little room for movement. As they progressed, a sudden gust of wind blew forcefully towards their direction, causing the bridge to sway violently.

The bridge's sudden swaying movement caused Edgar to panic. "Woah! Oh!" he yelped, instinctively clutching the rope railings.

"Calm down," Sarrah scoffed behind Edgar. 

"I'm calm—" Edgar replied, exhaling exaggeratedly. "I'm calm..." He forced himself to continue walking as beads of sweat dripped down his forehead.

"Don't stomp your foot too hard on the planks, Ed," Bethany advised Edgar, offering a caring smile.

"Alright, will do," Edgar acknowledged Bethany's advice, adjusting his steps to be lighter.

Oliver and his companions continued walking across the unsteady wooden bridge.

"Take your time," Oliver said.

Unexpectedly, cheers erupted from behind as people bid farewell, their voices fading into the distance.

     The blue sky gradually transforms into a river of pastels. Golden, peach, and pink shades intermingle and merge as wispy clouds traverse the heavens above. The sun turns timid and retreats below the horizon, casting its soft yellow rays across the vast sky.

     While darkness gradually engulfs the land, the snow-capped peaks of the mountains still gleam brilliantly white. Footprints mark the snowy terrain as the Remaining Podeshire and his group ascend the steep mountainside. Then, shadows fall over the opposing side, where the last remnants of sunlight linger.

As the group made their way up the mountain, Gregory voiced his concerns with a sigh. "I can't say I trust that guy we met in the village earlier..." he groaned.

Oliver chuckled and asked, "Why's that?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Edgar laughed. "Greg was getting all jealous and worked up because you seemed close with that guy. I guess Greg's just a little too obsessed with you!"

"I'm not obsessed," Gregory protested.

"Mhmh," Oliver smiled. "Don't worry, Greg. The only man who catches my attention is you and no one else."