Oliver closes his eyes, and when he reopens them, he finds himself back in the dining room, his hands still locked with Josephine's. Everything he experienced feels like it never transpired within the realm of existence. At first, Oliver is perplexed as he ponders deeply about the reality of everything he has seen. As time trickles by, a gradual comprehension takes hold, revealing that what he witnessed is a vision, reminiscent of the ones he encountered during his younger days.

     Slowly, Oliver's hands pull back from Josephine while Josephine lets go of her hold. Oliver and Josephine exchange glances, confusion reflecting in Oliver's eyes. As Oliver brushes his hands against his trousers, he looks at Gregory, and they share lengthy stares.

"Can I ask you something again, Oliver?" Josephine inquired, catching his attention with her calm and steady voice.

"Oh?" Oliver responded, his eyes fixing intently on Josephine.

"For the sake of yourself, your family, and the people around you, can you be strong again?" she asked with conviction, her brows furrowed and her lips straightened.

     Oliver lowered his eyes, contemplating Josephine's question before replying. As time flew by like the doves in the sky, an answer crystallized in his head, poised to spew through his mouth. With confidence surging in his veins, Oliver's eyebrows furrowed defiantly, and a deep smirk formed on his lips, creating a dimple beneath his light beard.

"...Yes," he replied, a confident expression gradually etching on his face and tone.

Gregory leaned closer, a slight understanding passing between them. With a knowing smirk, Gregory asked, "And why's that?"

"Because..." Oliver answered, his eyes sparkling like gold. "I'm a Podeshire."

     Oliver, Josephine, and Gregory prepare for the incoming journey as they set out from each other. Oliver briefly returns to his bedroom, grabs a bible with a thick black cover and shiny gilded lettering, and flicks its pages open. As he scans through the pages, his soul absorbs every word written on the sheet, taking it in by the heart. Taking a deep, steady breath, Oliver composes himself and gathers his anticipated confidence.

     Meanwhile, Josephine firmly clutches a glass of gin and swiftly knocks back a shot. She then stretches her limbs, crossing her elbows and arms. As her muscles spread and loosen, relief, rejuvenation, and refreshment hurry down her spine.

     In the meantime, Gregory retrieves his spellbook and flips its heavy pages open. While holding his wand in his unoccupied hand, he breathes in and recites spells from the book. Then, the orb of his long, dark sceptre glimmers with light, like the lucent sun amidst the turquoise sky.

     Josephine begins swinging her arms—as if she were holding a bat. As she practices her reflexes, the air around her crackles with her activity. On the other side of the room, Gregory slashes his wand against the air, practising his skills. His eyebrows furrow fiercely, and his teeth gnash, grinding against each other.

     In the bedroom, Oliver stretches his neck to the sides, his eyes wincing. As he does, a faint crack emanates from his joints, sending a gushing wave of chills across his spine. As he finishes stretching his bones and muscles, a pleasurable sense of relief spreads throughout his body, permeating his entire being with a soothing sensation. His eyebrows furrowing, Oliver pulls back his elbow and punches through the air, his firm bicep hardening.

     The front door swung open with a resonating creak. Oliver, Josephine, and Gregory crossed the doorway and hopped down the porch, greeted by the vast outdoors. Halting momentarily, they turned around and faced Kevin, Gabriel, Bertie, George, Victoria, Elizabeth, the ladies' husbands, and Frederick, giving them slight nods.

"My sons and, oh, dear Josephine... be careful out there," Frederick said faintly, his voice barely audible amidst the loud wind.

"We will," Oliver replied with a swift nod, knitting his eyebrows together.

"...Mr Oliver...? Kevin has something to say," Gabriel prompted, stepping forward and raising a timid hand.

"Oh? What is it, Kevin?" Oliver asked, his eyes fixating on Kevin's figure.

"..." Kevin glanced momentarily at Gabriel before speaking. "Jean told us that if you were to bring authorities with you, the witch would know it and... and... curse you..." Kevin stated. "Will you be safe on this journey?" he asked.

"We won't bring the authorities, then," Gregory asserted, raising his chin boldly.

"But how will you be able to confront the witch and get Jean if there are only three of you?" Bertie asked in concern, his brows furrowing.

"We're the Shalores Hidesine-Podeshire. Our strength multiplies threefold as one," Oliver remarked.