A Remaining Podeshire 1

Chapter 13 (Part 4)

     After a long and comforting embrace, Oliver, Fredrick, Sophia and Gregory finally let go of each other. They exchange warm smiles, feeling grateful for the bond they have formed. However, the moment of joy and gratitude doesn't last long, for the bittersweet feeling takes over.

"It's an honour to meet outstanding men like you all," Sophia said. "And I shall remember each of you."

"Remember each of us? What do you mean?" Oliver asked.

"...Everyone... I have to bid my farewell. My family and I must return home to Hannsbarnne," Sophia's gaze softened.

"Wait, why?" Gregory questioned in dismay.

"Because it's my home," Sophia stated. "I'm so glad I got to see all of you again before I leave. This day marks our goodbyes..."

Oliver's heart sank as he heard the news. He tried to maintain his smile to show respect and formality for their farewell. "...I am honoured to have met you, Sophia. I will never forget you," he said.

"...And thank you again for saving us. Goodbye, Sophia," Gregory added, his voice equally sombre.

"Have a safe trip, young lady," Frederick said, trying to inject glee into the moment.

Sophia smiled widely, trying to hold back her tears. "You all are the best," she said.

Suddenly, a voice called out and echoed in the street. "Sophia!" Sophia's parents waved.

"Oh, I guess we have to go now. Our ship leaves tomorrow before noon," Sophia said with a light smile.

"I shall make sure that the sea will be calm for you, your family, and its other passengers," Oliver nodded.

"Thank you... and... goodbye, for now, Oliver Podeshire, Gregory Hidesine, and Mr Mayor," Sophia's smile broke through her sadness, and she turned to run to her parents.

     Oliver, Frederick and Gregory stood still, watching Sophia run towards her parents. As she reached them, they embraced her tightly, and her face lit up with a gleaming smile. Sophia hugged her parents back before boarding a carriage.

     As the carriage moves, Oliver, Frederick, and Gregory watch Sophia and her parents embark on a long journey through the bustling city. The vehicle slowly turns to its corner, and the men see Sophia and her family waving back at them. Oliver, Frederick and Gregory wave back as their faces beam at them. Then, the carriage cuts to the street and disappears from view, leaving Oliver, Gregory, and Frederick in silence.

Frederick looked at Oliver and Gregory. "So, gentlemen. Does anyone of you know about those assassins?" he asked.

Gregory hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "Yes, their leader is my father," he revealed, causing Frederick to widen his eyes.

"But, you are not like your father, Greg. You even saved me," said Oliver.

"Oh, well," Frederick then cut in, his voice steady and sincere. "Due to their heinous crimes, will you, gentlemen, be willing to agree on prosecuting those assassins?" he inquired.

"Oh, yes, please!" Gregory eagerly replied with a broad smile across his face. "It'll be lovely to remove that abusive father of mine out of my life!"

Frederick's response was unexpected. "Splendid! Pick a type of execution. Burning on a stake, hanging, beheading or staking?" he asked with a jokingly sinister voice.

Gregory's mischievous smile grew wider as he made his twisted suggestion. "Or we could trap them in a box surrounded by snakes. Then, let's put them on a burning boat while it sinks in the middle of the ocean!" he stated.

"Yes," Frederick replied.

"Woah, woah, woah! Let's not be brutal like Auxgaurrde here. We're now an independent city, Asbranne! So let's make a difference," Oliver implored. "Let's simply jail those assassins for the rest of their life, shall we?"

Frederick nodded. "Well said. The assassins shall receive their penalty once I return to the City Hall to conduct the request," Frederick declared.

     Oliver inhales the crisp, fresh air and gazes at the orange sunset. The trees around him bloom with vibrant petals, adding colour to his surroundings. As a gentle breeze brushes against his skin, he feels his mind begin to unwind. With a deep exhale, he feels relief cascading onto his heart.

"So... maybe we can see each other tomorrow again?" Oliver glanced at Frederick and Gregory. "I have to go home already."

"Go home?" Gregory asked.

Oliver's expression fell as he remembered his situation. "...Oh, wait. I just remembered that I do not live with the Fuers anymore," he sighed.

Frederick's voice cut through. "Oliver?" he called.

"Oh, yes?" Oliver responded immediately.

"Will you be fine if you find new guardians or adoptive parents?" Frederick questioned timidly.

Oliver giggled. "I think I'm having déjà vu. Am I going to the adoption centre again?" he joked.

"Well, I was thinking to... adopt you... as my own?" Frederick told Oliver.

     Frederick's offer left Oliver speechless. His jaw dropped as a wide smile spread across his face. Oliver felt a heavy but warm sensation in his stomach—as if he had just consumed a satisfying and nourishing meal. Grateful and overwhelmed, he looked up at Frederick with glistening tears in his golden eyes.

"Oh, uhmm... if it's fine for you? I hope I don't become a burden! I don't want to be one, especially for our one and only mayor!" Oliver felt timid.

"Don't worry, Oliver. It's more than fine!" Frederick reassured him with a warm smile.

"Are you sure, Fred?" Oliver asked, looking up at him with hesitant eyes.

"I'm more than sure, son," he replied.

"Dad...?" Oliver's eyes widened as he held his breath.

Frederick then nodded. "Mhm!"