After a gradual and firm halt, the carriage reaches its destination. The steady tapping of the horses' feet ceases as the wheels creak, gradually slowing down. The thud of the vehicle's doorknob resonates, and the doorway swings open.

     Oliver and Gregory are the first to disembark from the carriage, followed by their excited children hopping off. As the reins slash, the horses neigh and propel the carriage to move away. Oliver, Gregory, and their children tilt their heads up, taking in their surroundings.

"Here we are," said Oliver.

     In front of Oliver and his family sprawls an immense university, its sandy-beige concrete walls decorated with intricate geometrical lines and sculptures depicting elegant angels and virtuous saints. The building reaches such heights that even from the sidewalk, one's gaze struggles to capture the pinnacle where a dome, seemingly looming over the stars, rests. No matter how one's eyes scan from left to right, the length of the establishment remains elusive, stretching for a hundred miles.

     Arched windows grace the first through third floors, while rectangular ones punctuate the attic beneath the grand dome. Towering above the colossal double wooden entrance, four majestic white pillars stand sentinel before the steps. At each corner of the building, towers with roofs that taper to a sharp point await.

     A stone pathway, stretching for a mile, meanders through meticulously trimmed hedges and a vibrantly striped lawn, connecting the black iron gates on the sidewalk to the steps leading to the entrance. Those who stroll along this path may find their calves weary after the long walk. Yet, the beauty of the university's exterior walls captivates their senses, rendering any discomfort insignificant in the face of enchantment.

     Upon entering the lobby, sunlight pours through the entrance, casting a golden glow on the wood-brown marble floor. Oliver, Gregory, and their children stride across the gleaming, polished surface, their heads tilting upward to admire the lofty ceilings with resplendent pearl chandeliers, their golden radiance enhanced by the flickering candles. As Oliver, Gregory, and their children proceed, the front door behind them closes gently, enveloping them in the embrace of the university's grandeur.

     As Oliver, Gregory, and their children traverse the corridors, their attention is caught by distinctive sliding windows within a chamber. Filled with curiosity, they approach, their steps quickening in anticipation until the words on a wooden sign come into clear view. Gregory lightly taps his fingers' joints against the window, prompting the blurry, stained glass to slide open. Then, a friendly woman peeks through with an inviting grin that immediately warms their hearts.

"Oh, hello," the woman greeted them with a warm smile. "How may I help you?"

"Greetings," Gregory replied. "Uhm, we're here to enrol our two daughters, please."

"May I have their full names?" the woman inquired politely.

Oliver gently placed his palms on Victoria and Elizabeth's shoulders. "You both remember your full names, right?"

"Yeah!" Elizabeth nodded.

"Mhm!" Victoria smiled.

The two girls stepped forward, drawing closer to the counter, and shared their names with the woman.

"I'm Victoria Hidesine-Podeshire!"

"Hm. And I'm Elizabeth Hidesine-Podeshire!"

     Soon, Oliver, Gregory, and their children find themselves at their next destination. They traverse amidst a grandeur of thousands of pillars, strolling along an alleyway nestled within the church's magnificent interior. The vast space spreads before them, reminiscent of a ballroom within a castle. Row upon row of wooden benches, their maroon-red seats inviting, stretch out in hundreds, while the warm glow from chandeliers and flickering torches shed a radiant light, banishing any hint of darkness.

     Adorning the ceiling are awe-inspiring paintings of ethereal angels clothed in white togas, their feathered wings and glowing halos a celestial sight. The divine beings dance across the sky-blue canvas amidst fluffy clouds encircling a sunny cross. The golden radiance from the chandelier's candles illuminates the scene, transforming everything into a breathtaking spectacle that conjures the sensation of entering paradise to meet one's god.

     As they move forward, Oliver's gaze remains fixed on the celestial ceiling. He cannot tear his eyes away until he closes his eyelids, taking a deep sigh. Oliver then continues his path inside the church, accompanied by his spouse and children.

     The church gives out an atmosphere of tranquillity and stillness, having its Sunday mass concluded a few hours earlier. However, a handful of devoted individuals remain inside, their presence visible as they kneel on their seats, their prayers whispered fervently through their hearts and minds. Each visitor who bows before the altar does so with closed eyes and folded hands.

     As Victoria walks between her parents and siblings, she glances to her left and spots a line of three gentlemen, their figures bowed in prayer. Casting her gaze to the far right, she spots two women draped in white and black veils. Further on, at the diagonal right side, four more women are present, with two wearing cloaks and the others donning hats with elegantly wide brims.

     Oliver's discerning eyes take in the intricate details of the altar as his family's footsteps carry them deeper into the church. He notices an empty stand with a golden cross, its presence highlighted by the flickering glow of surrounding candles. Behind it stands a towering tabernacle, luminescent with jewelled embellishments and crowned by a wooden crucifix.

     Once everyone reaches the rear of the alley, just before the steps leading to the altar, they execute a slow turn to their right. Squeezing themselves into the benches, they kneel and exchange smiles. One by one, they orient themselves towards the direction of the altar, folding their palms together.

Oliver removed his top hat and reverently made the sign of the cross. "Oh, God," he began, his voice a gentle whisper. "I seek Your divine protection from all wicked intentions. Safeguard us from evil and the shadows that may lurk. You are our sanctuary, our refuge in times of turmoil. But, if any trial befall me, may Your presence guide and grant me strength. Please, my Lord." His innermost thoughts merged with prayer, his eyes closed in solemnity. "...I place my trust in You."