(As Long as We're Together) Everything's Gonna Be Okay

Mario's Attempting to Save the Princess, While Luigi's Saving His Sanity

"You're right. Despite everything, the Cup hasn't been canceled, which I'd say is a miracle." Mario admits.

"And he asked her originally, back when his boss first told him he needed someone in his corner." Toad points out. "And since everyone else is too preoccupied with what's going on beyond the castle walls, it makes sense to have her involved with this."

"Rubbish!" a new voice calls out, and the two turn to see Toadsworth glaring at them.

"Wait, let me explain." Mario walks across the castle grounds. "Toad here was just reminding me of an option we haven't considered for damage control."

"Using the castle's resources to play games?" Toadsworth surmises.

"Toadsworth, please." Toad comes forward next. "I understand your duty comes to the princess first. But if you hear us out–"

"There's nothing to hear out." Toadsworth cuts him right off.

"The princess is–"

"The princess has bounced back from things worse than Master Mario's current predicament." Again, Toadsworth cuts him off. "The princess shouldn't be bothered any further."

"Mario's current predicament has to do with his image, not what he's actually being charged with." Toad says before Toadsworth can shut him down again, surprising even Mario. "Since this whole mess started, Mario hasn't been seen in public like he used to. If he keeps doing that, what reason do people have to believe him when he says he didn't embezzle the money?"

"That's because this Wario fellow is keeping the charges on the bulletins faster than Master Mario can combat them." Toadsworth replies. "He'll change his mind once he sees our offer to drop it all."

"Offer?" That's news to Mario.

"The princess has been instructed to offer Wario a settlement."

"She what? " Mario screeches.

"No reason to believe this whole issue won't be put to rest by the end of the day." Toadsworth smiles. "The kingdom is saved."

"No, we can't do that." Mario insists. "If we give him what he wants, it'll look like we're desperate to keep him quiet. Which would mean we have something to hide."

"And what's the problem with that?"

"The problem is it's not true!" Mario yells. "You need to tell Peach to not make him that offer."

"Master Mario, you are aware this isn't just about clearing your name, correct?"

"I never said anything about just me." Mario says. "I don't just care about my reputation. I care about the kingdom too. If we try to make Wario go away, what's stopping others from hearing about it and trying to get away with the same thing? I love this kingdom almost as much as Peach does, Toadsworth. This isn't just where I live, it's where my family lives, and I will not let anyone put that in jeopardy."

"Toadsworth, Toadsworth!" Another Toad runs up to them. "I just got word from the princess! Wario refused the offer!"

"Hm. Perhaps you have some insight after all, Master Mario." Toadsworth says thoughtfully. "It appears we now have a real fight on our hands. And how this all ends will determine the fate of the Mushroom Kingdom."

"That's why you need to let the princess get involved with the Cup." Toad, who's been quiet, speaks up now.

Toadsworth looks at him and sighs, but says nothing.

"The kingdom was already facing a financial struggle when it was just recovering from the end of the world." Toad points out. "We're getting hit where it hurts, and now it's time to stop rolling over and taking it."