A peaceful week has passed, devoid of any noteworthy events. However, the dawn of a new day holds promise in its waiting hour. The sun gradually ascends from the horizon, shedding its gentle light across the blue sky. A mild morning breeze dances through the air, delicately rustling the foliage of bushes and trees. Birds take flight, their wings cutting through the atmosphere, while horses pull carriages along the neighbourhood's streets.

     Victoria, Elizabeth, Albert, George, and Jean gather around the dining table. They indulge in a hearty breakfast, savouring the delights of sunny-side-up eggs, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and freshly buttered bread. Smiles adorn their faces, growing wider with each delectable bite as the flavours burst upon their tongues.

     The children enthusiastically devour their food. Their giggles fill the air as they take generous bites from their silver spoons and forks. The flavours of the breakfast elicit uncontrollable delight, causing everyone to tremble with admiration.

     Frederick lounges on a chair across from the dining table where the children have gathered. He wears a white long-sleeved shirt with a navy-blue waistcoat and smoky-grey trousers, a fitting ensemble for the morning. Circular eyeglasses perch upon his nose, aiding him as he peruses the expansive newspaper clasped in his hands.

"So, how are you doing, kids?" Frederick asked, flipping a page of his newspaper.

"We're doing great!" Victoria replied.

"We're so happy!~" Elizabeth said, her words slightly muffled by the food in her mouth.

"The food's so delicious, too!" Albert stated as he chewed.

"Our life couldn't be better, Grandpa!" Victoria beamed, her smile stretching wide.

"Hm! That's splendid to hear!" Frederick smiled in response before returning his attention to his reading.

"Hmm, Grandpa?" Victoria called out, raising an eyebrow curiously.

"Yes, dear?" Frederick responded, turning his glance to Victoria.

"Why do our father's siblings have different hair colours?" she wondered aloud.

"Huh? Pardon?" Frederick narrowed his eyes.

"She means..." Elizabeth chimed in, her words interrupted by a mouthful of food. "Why do our uncle and aunts have different hair colours?"

"Who?" Frederick asked.

"Hmm, Uncle Ed, Aunt Sophia, Aunt Sarrah, and Aunt Bethany!" Victoria stated, listing off their family members.

"Oh?" Frederick tilted his head, intrigued.

"Yes! Aunt Sophia and Uncle Ed both have blonde hair. But Aunt Sarrah has orange hair, while Aunt Bethany has black hair. And our Dad has orange-brown hair!" Elizabeth said, her grin widening.

"Yeah!" Victoria nodded. She then turned her gaze toward Frederick, searching for an explanation. "Why's that?"

"I seem not to comprehend the question," Frederick, slightly perplexed, furrowed his brows before responding. "But, from what I understand, they are not even rel—"

Before Frederick could finish his sentence, Oliver and Gregory abruptly entered the dining room, interrupting the conversation.

"Good morning!"

     Oliver strides into the dining room. Perched atop his head is a towering braided shako cap, reaching almost to the ceiling. As he moves forward, the sunlight streaming through the window bestows a radiant glow upon his uniform and golden ring. A silver belt with a golden buckle encircles his silver tailcoat, seamlessly transitioning into gleaming gold as it descends to his golden trousers. Completing the ensemble, Oliver dons silver boots that ascend to his knees.

     Adorning Oliver's shoulders are sharp epaulettes, while golden armlets encircle his lean biceps. Golden-coloured, fingerless gloves extend up to his elbows, adding a touch of modesty. A P-shaped golden emblem hangs on Oliver's chest, signifying his allegiance. And on the right side, a pin declares his title—The Defender of Asbranne. Just below, another pin denotes his position as a corporal.

     By Oliver's side stands Gregory. As Gregory steps into the sunlight, his dark attire shimmers subtly. His hood, draped over his back, flows with an inbuilt cape. A knee-length robe in a rich pine-brown hue harmonizes with the dark blue sash cinched around his waist. Beneath, Gregory wears black trousers and shoes that cover his feet and calves. Like his partner, Gregory wears a golden ring on his left finger.

"Ah! Good morning, everyone!" Gregory grinned as he raised his hands. "It's time for Oliver and me to head off to work today!"

Victoria, Elizabeth, Albert, George, and Jean swiftly left their seats, leaving behind their half-finished breakfast, and hastened to their parents' side.

"Aww! I guess it's a quick goodbye!" Victoria lamented. "Take care!"

"We'll miss you!" Elizabeth giggled. "Please bring snacks home after work, hehe!"

"Oh, Dad! Dad! Dad!" Albert laughed. "Victoria has a question!"

"Huh—" Victoria gasped, surprised that she had almost forgotten her question.

"Oh, what is it, Victoria?" Oliver asked with a curious smile.

"Oh, uhm!" Victoria placed her hands on her back and nervously bit her lips as her body swayed back and forth. "Why do our uncle and aunts have different hair colours?"

"Oh... well, it's because..." Oliver began to explain. "It's because none of us are blood-related. However, we're all brothers and sisters in our hearts," he said, raising a finger and placing his palm over his chest.

"Ooh!" the children expressed, their heads bobbing up and down as they absorbed the information.

"Do you have siblings by blood, though?" Victoria inquired.

"Well, yes, I do!" Oliver answered.

"Ooh!~" the children expressed in awe, captivated by the revelation.

"Where are they now? How are they doing?" Victoria probed further.

Oliver glanced at Gregory. "Oh..."

"Hm?" Victoria grinned, eagerly expecting Oliver's reply.

"For now, it'll be a secret," Oliver stated.

"Oww..." the children groaned with disappointment.

"Cheer up! We'll bring you home some pie after work!" Oliver reassured them, trying to lift their spirits.

"Ooh! Yey!" Albert leapt in joy, unable to contain his excitement.

"Pie!?" George beamed.

"Yay! I can't wait!" Elizabeth exclaimed, springing up from the floor.

"Oh! Yes, please!" Victoria nodded.

"Alright, then, it's time for us to go," Oliver said, bending down to kiss each of his children on the forehead from left to right, one by one.

"Bye-bye!" Gregory waved at their children.

"Bye!" the children waved back.

With a final farewell, Oliver and Gregory left, heading towards their respective duties.