A Remaining Podeshire 1

Chapter 9 (Part 1)

     Frederick's narration of the biographies left Oliver and Gregory speechless. Shock filled Oliver and Gregory as their widened eyes turned to look at the mayor. His emotions washed over him, and his heart pounded loudly.

"It is quite a lengthy tale," Frederick remarked as he folded the document.

"...It is a long story, indeed," Oliver replied as his breath shivered.

Gregory chimed in, "Quite tragic, if I may add."

Frederick placed the document back in the cabinet. "And where will you be heading tonight, gentlemen?" he asked.

Gregory began to speak, causing Oliver's heartbeat to hasten. "Well, sire, it is with heavy hearts that we must inform you that Oliver here has esc—"

Oliver quickly covered Gregory's mouth and interjected, "Escorted Greg! Yes! We are simply taking a stroll in the park, Fred. A lovely evening for it, I must say."

"Ah, delightful to hear. Enjoy your walk, gentlemen," Frederick smiled warmly at Oliver's response as he arranged the document in the cabinet.

Gregory leaned in and whispered into Oliver's ear. "Why... why are you keeping your escape a secret?"

"I simply don't want to get into any more trouble, Greg," Oliver replied, keeping his voice low and faint.

"But, Oli, you shouldn't be afraid of—" Gregory abruptly stopped speaking as he heard a sound coming from a nearby drawer.

     Frederick closed the drawer, and its groaning screech echoed across the room, causing Oliver and Gregory to fall silent and quickly turn to face the mayor. Frederick glanced at the two men behind him and giggled upon seeing their eyes wide. Then, they all smiled at each other as they gathered in the centre of the office.

"Well, gentlemen, it appears that our meeting has come to a close," Frederick said kindly. "Oliver, I understand that you may have missed the opportunity to be wed, but I believe you made the right choice."

"Thank you for your understanding," he replied as his face lit up with a genuine smile.

     After a lengthy stay at the mayor's elegant mansion, Oliver and Gregory bid farewell to Frederick and set off down the empty street. The three men waved goodbye to each other until they turned the corner and could no longer see the mayor's home. As they walked together, Oliver and Gregory began to converse, their shoulders brushing against each other.

"Oli...?" Gregory poked Oliver on his shoulder.

"Hm?" Oliver responded, his eyes fixed on the concrete road.

"...Eh, don't worry," Gregory said, trying to ease the tension. "Forget about it."

Oliver remained silent before he gathered the courage to ask. "Greg...? Earlier, you were going to say something to me. What was it?"

Gregory hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath and asking. "...Why are you so afraid of getting into trouble when you don't deserve it? You're the victim here, Oli. You shouldn't have to live in fear."

"...But... they're my adoptive parents..." Oliver sighed heavily.

Gregory cut him off. "Don't call them that! They're the ones who made you run away, Oli. You're innocent. And you shouldn't have to live in that cruel household," he said.

"The Fuers... they threatened me. They said that... if I told anyone about what they'd done to me... I'd get in trouble. That's why they didn't let me have any friends..." Oliver's gaze dropped.

"I know," Gregory replied empathetically. "That's why you deserve justice against them, Oli. They cannot continue controlling you like this."

"...The only justice I need is to have those assassins that murdered my real family live behind bars," Oliver said.

Gregory placed a warm, gentle hand on his friend's shoulder. "You deserve justice from both, Oli. And we'll make sure you get it. But first, we must make sure you're safe and free from the Fuers' grip."

"...It just feels like they can see and hear everything I do. I can't take it anymore..." Oliver glanced at Gregory with glistening eyes.

"It's okay, Oli," Gregory pulled Oliver closer. "It's okay..." he whispered. "I can't believe how much the Fuers have affected you... how they've imprinted themselves on your mind," Gregory stated, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Will I get in trouble...?" Oliver asked timidly.

"No, never! It's the Fuers and the assassins who should be held responsible," Gregory replied.

"You're... right," Oliver responded as his smile slowly returned.

"So... are you ready to return to the mayor's mansion and file a complaint against the Fuers?" Gregory asked with a smirk.

"...Maybe not today," Oliver replied.

"Eh, why not?" Gregory questioned.

"Let our mayor rest..." Oliver said.

     As Gregory's gaze softened, he lifted his head and noticed a gateway down the street. As he read the sign above the gate, his eyes widened, and he gently shook Oliver's arm, gasping in surprise. Oliver raised a brow as he looked into his friend's eyes.

"What's wrong?" Oliver asked, concerned by Gregory's sudden gasp.

"Look!" Gregory pointed behind Oliver.

"W-where!?" Oliver was startled.

"No, silly! It's the Westside Cemetery!" Gregory clarified.

Oliver furrowed his brows, trying to remember. "Wait, that sounds familiar... isn't that where most of my ancestors are buried?"

"Yes, it is! Do you want to check it out?" Gregory nodded.

     Oliver and Gregory entered the cemetery as the soft glow of the post lamps illuminated their path. As they walked around, Oliver's eyes scanned the tombstones, spotting familiar names and identical surnames like his. He stopped and walked closer to one of the graves while Gregory wandered around.

Suddenly, Gregory stopped. "Oli!" he then called out, waving his hand.

"Oh, sorry!" Oliver hurried and followed Gregory.

     Gregory approached a long row of concrete tombstones and stood still as Oliver trailed behind him. Five graves erected on the soil stood before Oliver and Gregory, covered in moss and vines. Oliver slowly walked forward, his eyes squinting as he tried to read the names carved on the gravestones. Upon reading the names, he gasped and covered his mouth with his palms in shock.