Love in the Oddest Places (bowuigi story)

Chapter 31: Imperial Cold Shoulder

As Luigi and Mario gathered their bags, preparing to head for the Great Gallery, Peach joined them in their room. It was time to discuss the state of affairs in Sarasaland. As they walked, the princess briefed them on the current conditions: while major structures had been rebuilt, the roads still bore the scars of the lava that had rained down from Bowser's ship. Additionally, the empire's main water processing plant was malfunctioning.

Both brothers, ever reliable, assured her that they could handle the situation. They cited their experience in construction, promising that with some luck, everything would be sorted within a month or so. Grateful for their confidence and support, Peach couldn't help but feel reassured by their presence. Not entirely, but it certainly settled her nerves for the time being. The last thing she wanted was to unsettle them with her emotional strife.

Unbeknownst to her, Luigi noticed she still seemed agitated as they walked through the corridors of the castle; her usually serene demeanor was replaced by a furrowed brow and a restless fidgeting of her gloves. He gave her a gentle smile, trying to comfort her. Mario adjusted his hat, "It's going to be kinda weird doing this typa' work again," he said.

Peach raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Oh... Before we started our plumbing business, we used to work for this guy's construction company, and well..." Luigi trailed off, trying to find the right words.

"He was a grade A asshole so we left the business."

Luigi smacked Mario's arm, scolding him for his foul language, and Peach couldn't help but stifle her giggles, her previous distress momentarily forgotten. Hiding his reddening face in his cap, Mario apologized and redirected their focus to the task at hand. They turned left, crossing a large open hallway. Peach adjusted her crown, "It's almost the end of the mission," she remarked. "Just these two kingdoms of Sarasaland, then the Yoshi Isles. Have you both taken a moment to think about what comes next?"

Her question hung in the air, stirring a thoughtful silence between them. Mario exchanged a glance with Luigi, a flicker of contemplation crossing their faces as they considered her words. While Peach doesn't make it a habit of sensing Mario or Luigi's emotions, she couldn't help but do so at this moment. As she listened to their response, she was shocked at their reactions. Luigi exchanged a look with his brother.

It would seem that they have thought about it in passing, but little do they know that it was in opposite directions. Mario commented that he wanted to see the other kingdoms, this time for leisure rather than business. However, Luigi seemed to have something else in mind; an allure toward something else. Peach could sense a blooming seedling of love within him, which was somewhat surprising and exciting.

As they continued down the hallway, Peach could feel Luigi trying to shake off the conflicting emotions swirling within him. The familiarity of the Mushroom Kingdom tugged at his sense of duty and family ties, while the allure of this love beckoned him ardently. Peach, noticing the pensive expression on Luigi's face, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Luigi, you seem troubled. Is everything alright?"

He glanced at Peach, offering a faint smile. "Just thinking about what comes next, Princess. There's so much to consider."

"Well! It's not like you have to answer right now," the princess quickly said. "I just... wanted to tell you that there's a place for both of you in the Mushroom Kingdom."

With quiet steps, the group pressed on, their journey through the silent halls culminating in the grandeur of the Great Gallery. Its expanse stretched out before them, a tapestry of masterpieces showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of countless kingdoms. Amidst the towering paintings, a hushed reverence hung in the air, infusing every step with a sense of awe.