A Remaining Podeshire 1

Chapter 8 (Part 4)

     As Oliver and Gregory navigated the congested streets, Oliver couldn't shake the feeling of a thousand eyes upon him. Without lifting his head, he glanced everywhere and saw people staring at him, their gazes fixed and unrelenting. Oliver felt their stares like a physical weight on his shoulders, making him uncomfortable and exposed.

     The area was serenely quiet, and the streets were deserted. Oliver and Gregory strolled silently while admiring the splendour of the large mansions lining the street. With their imposing height and elaborate embellishments, the houses in this area stood in sharp contrast to the Fuers' modest residence.

     The grandeur and elegance of the mansions that reached the heavens were impossible to ignore. Oliver and Gregory gawked at the intricate carvings on the doors and windows of every household, noticing how the soft lights played in the ambience. Oliver imagined himself travelling through an alternate reality where luxury and affluence were the norm.

"Finally, a quiet street!" Gregory exclaimed.

Oliver turned his head to glance behind them before responding. "Yeah, great."

     As they strolled down the road, Oliver and Gregory's eyes roamed over the impressive architecture of each household. Oliver stared at each building with wide eyes. Suddenly, his gaze landed on a middle-aged man sitting peacefully on a bench on one of the mansion's porches.

     Oliver stopped. Then, he squinted as he continued walking with Gregory. Oliver immediately recognized the middle-aged man as a broad smile formed on his face. It was none other than Frederick.

     Frederick's eyes caught Oliver's, and the two locked gazes through the iron gate. Frederick recognized Oliver from afar. And a smile spread across his face as well.

     Slowly, Frederick rose from his bench and walked across his yard filled with blooming plantations. As he approached the gate, Oliver came to an abrupt halt, and so did Gregory. The three men then stared at each other as their faces beamed a glistening smile.

"Oliver, is that you?" Frederick asked, squinting through the gaps of the tall iron gate.

"Yes, Mr Mayor. I mean- Fred!" Oliver replied nervously, slightly smiling. "Please pardon us! We were only taking a stroll."

Frederick glanced at Gregory. "Oh, greetings."

"Good evening, sire," Gregory lightly bowed his head as he placed a hand on his chest.

"It's almost ten in the evening. Have you both had your dinner?" Frederick inquired kindly.

Oliver and Gregory timidly shook their heads.

"Don't worry, sire," Gregory said as he rubbed his stomach. He then glanced at Oliver. "Are you hungry, Oli?"

"I'm fine," Oliver responded.

"Nonsense! You cannot wander the streets on an empty stomach. Come in!" Frederick insisted, gesturing towards the entrance.

     The two guards by the gateway unlock the tall iron gate and step aside, allowing Oliver and Gregory to enter. However, Oliver hesitates to step one foot inside the lawn, shaking his head as he glances at Gregory. As Oliver and Gregory rub their arms onto one another, Frederick reaches the porch and passes through the entrance.