Oliver and his companions found themselves walking down a seemingly neverending hallway within a grand palace, trailing behind Regina's calm, measured pace. As they moved forward, their jaws dropped, and their eyes widened, gawking at the breathtaking sight around them. The sheer splendour of the interior left them speechless, their breaths suspended in their throats, unable to escape.

     The walls gleamed with a lavish display of gold carvings and floral patterns. Along the right side, towering windows soared from floor to ceiling, inviting the outside world to pour its luminous embrace into the gilded chamber. Sunlight flooded through the crystal panes, casting a brilliant glow that transformed the wooden floor planks into a vibrant tapestry of sparkling reflections.

     On the left side of the hallway, statues carved from stone stood, depicting handsome men with well-defined muscles and slender waists. Each figure grasped a unique weapon, be it a sword, bow, or spear, showcasing their strength and skill. Pearl chandeliers with unlit candles hung above, reflecting sunlight and illuminating the corridor. The ceiling held a painting of cherubic angels with mint white wings, accompanied by men and women in ancient togas, amidst the painted clouds.

     Through the arched windows, a sprawling garden stretched into the distance, framed by the white clouds in the sky. Despite the freezing weather that had frozen the ponds and fountains, the green foliage bloomed vibrantly, defying winter's icy grip. Yet, with each passing moment, the leaves began to darken, falling from their branches, painting the scene with hints of winter's arrival.

"Wow, this place is lovely," Sophia thought, beholding every detail around her.

"I couldn't agree more," Bethany replied, clasping her hands together. "It's truly enchanting!"

As they walked along the elegant hallway, they began a conversation.

"I feel immense joy having the opportunity to converse with you today, Mr Podeshire," Regina expressed, resting her hands in front of her.

"Oh, Your Majesty, it is an honour to be in your presence," Oliver responded, placing a hand over his heart.

"I've been waiting for this day," said Regina. "Meeting you is one of the most significant moments I have experienced during my reign," she added. She then continued, and her voice grew deeper, causing her pace to slow. "Although, amidst my happiness, I can't help but feel guilt in my veins, knowing that my father has... has caused countless deaths in your place. He's the one who ordered the offensive attacks on Asbranne decades ago, resulting in the loss of your..." Regina took a deep breath and ventured. "Great-grandparents..."

"Oh..." Oliver replied. "But that's all in the past. We must learn to forgive our mistakes. Besides, you are not accountable for the actions committed by your father."

Regina stopped and turned to face Oliver and his companions. "Yet, our kingdom has caused harm to the entire continent. Therefore, it is my solemn duty to make amends for the countries that Auxgaurrde once held dominion over."

Oliver nodded, placing his hands behind his back. "Your noble and righteous actions will be remembered in the annals of the royal family's history."

"Hmm." Regina said, "The royal family is not always synonymous with malevolence. We are humans, capable of both good and evil. Ultimately, what remains constant is the capacity for love. Even one of my ancestors, King Markus II, fell in love with a member of the Podeshire family from the past."

"...Could it be with Marie Podeshire?" Oliver guessed.

"Yes," Regina confirmed. "It was their love story that inspired me to meet you, Mr Podeshire."

"Hm," Oliver beamed a broad, glistening smile.

"Now, please follow me to the end of the hallway," Regina requested with a polite smile. She then turned around and began walking.

Oliver and his companions followed Regina's footsteps, trailing behind her down the hallway.

     As Oliver walks, the sight of a statue captures his attention. He abruptly stops and turns towards the left side, where a row of muscular statues depicting brave male warriors stands aligned. Oliver quickly grasps Gregory's wrist and pulls his beloved closer to him. He points at a particular sculpture with broad shoulders, firm arms, and a symmetrical face.

"Look, Greg. It looks like you," Oliver whispered loudly, pointing at a statue with a wide grin.

Regina, Sophia, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany came to an abrupt stop. They turned around to face the statue Oliver was pointing at. "..." A moment of silence hung in the air, but each of them felt a bubbling laughter ready to burst out from within.

"Oh, hehe—" Gregory tugged Oliver along, their steps continuing down the gilded corridor. A deep shade of crimson washed over Gregory's face, betraying his intense embarrassment.

Meanwhile, Oliver maintained his gaze on the statue, his finger still pointing, while the rest of the group resumed walking. "It really does look like you, no joke," Oliver murmured.

"Hehe, shh!" Gregory hushed Oliver, feeling a boiling wave of humiliation coursing through him.