A year has passed. Thanks to Peach's and Mario and Luigi's parents, they're growing healthy and happy. The twins, now not appearing so much as twins, shows flashy differences: Mario didn't grow so much, but got weight. Luigi "stretched" a bit more than Mario, and, although he eats as much as his brother, didn't got much weight. Whenever she can, Peach goes offer her prayers in the Star Shrine, hoping to be with the babies as long as she lives and to wish them a good life.

In a morning of working time at the Mushroom Castle, Peach was hearing the mountain people leader, who came to ask for help: the mountain's water and soil was contaminated by some kind of toxic and black substance. Gently, the princess offered herself to go with a clearing company to the place.

Peach stretches and yawns on the throne. Some time later, Toad walks in the throne room, announcing:

—Your Highness, Mario and Luigi's mother is here, she wishes to talk to you.

—Allow her in.

The assistant obeys and, seconds after, the mother and her children enter. She bows to Peach and the regent stands up, approaching and greeting the woman.

—Are you alright?—asks the princess, hugging the kids and kissing them.

—Not so good—reveals the woman, in worry, a not so convincing smile on her face.

—What's wrong?

—I received a letter from my mother in Westville telling me she got sick—explains. —She needs my help!

—Oh! Would you like to take some healing herbs?—offers the princess, politely.

—No, thanks. I want to ask if Your Highness can take care of my children until I heal my mother. She wants to see them so much, but I don't 'em to get sick too. I think they're safer here, under your protection.

Peach's eyes gleams with happiness.

—Of course!—she says, jolly. —Of course I can take care of them! Leave them to me!

—I talked to my husband, he'll give you all necessary assistance.

The woman hugs, caresses and kisses her children, saying:

—Mommy is going, lovelies, but come back as soon as she can! Obey the princess, ok? I love you!

Peach and the woman farewell each other. Peach sits again on the throne with Mario and Luigi on her lap. Later, they go to play at the castle garden.

At night, before going to sleep, Peach is in her room, waiting for Toad bring the children's milk bottles. The princess and the boys are sat on a carpet, playing with rubber dolls. Suddenly, she hears knocks at the door, followed by a voice.

—It's me, Highness—introduces Toad. —I've brought the milk bottles, like you ordered.

—Come in, Toad.

He gets in the place bringing a tray with two bottles upon. Peach takes and gives 'em to the boys, who drink with joy.

—Drink it up, boys!—says the princess, lovingly. —You'll get stronger when older!

—Do you need something more, Your Highness?—questions Toad.

—No, thank you, Toad. You can go to sleep. Good night and sleep well!—wishes her, smiling.

—Same to you, my lady—wishes back, bowing and leaving. When the children finish drinking the milk, they yawn and Peach pats their back for some time, making them burp a little. Next, she lays them on a cradle beside her bed, saying:

—Good night, my babies! Have sweet dreams!

—Mommy! Mommy!

Peach gets really surprised to hear that: it was the very first time they call her like that, even after a year living together. The kids raise their arms to her and she caresses and kisses them, then they fall asleep. The princess goes to bed too, with a huge happiness in her heart.

She barely knows the chaos that's about to come.