Mario and Luigi emerged from the Warp Pipe near the Toad Town gate.

"Still got the gift?" asked Luigi.

"Yep."

Toad Town: The Royal City

Toad Town was a beautiful place to live. It was also the largest city in the Mushroom Kingdom. A myriad of people lived here, from Toads to Goombas to Koopas to Shy Guys and even the occasional Boo. Most of the town was empty because the residents had already left to go to the birthday party.

"Kinda quiet and eerie…" said Mario.

"And scary…" said Luigi as he started to shake with fear.

"C'mon, Weege, get a hold of yourself!"

Before long, they were at the castle. As beautiful Toad Town is, it was nothing compared to Princess Peach's Castle. The castle was magnificent, with lush green fields, a beach, a huge moat and waterfall, and above the entrance was a stained glass window of the Princess herself. But, since the Mario Bros. have been here frequently, they had long stopped gaping at its majestic power. The inside was just as elegant, with three very well-adorned floors, a massive basement, and more rooms and doors as a millionaire's mansion.

"You go on ahead and deliver the gift to the Princess. I'll stay down here. Be sure to say hi to her for me!" said Luigi.

"Will do." replied Mario. "She knows you're afraid of heights."

All Mario got as a reply was a glare from Luigi.

Mario walked up the stairs to the second floor. He was about to go up again when someone stopped him.

"Oh, I say! Master Mario!"

Mario turned around to see Peach's longtime butler and caretaker, Toadsworth. He was a rather old Toad with fancy dress and a wooden cane to help him around.

"Oh, hi, Toadsworth. Have you seen the Princess?" asked Mario.

"As a matter of fact, I have, Master Mario!" replied the old Toad. "She's upstairs in the clock room."

"Thanks. I have to give her this gift for her birthday."

"Oh, ho! Is that so? Well, farewell, Master Mario! May we see each other again soon!"

Mario saw Toadsworth waddle off, then he walked up the stairs to the third floor. Then he entered the clock room to find Princess Peach Toadstool.

Mario didn't know why, but his heart always skipped a beat whenever he saw or heard anything about the Princess. Her voice sounded so pure and enchanting, and he thought she was more beautiful than a 12-course helping of his favorite pasta.

"Oh, Mario! You came! I was so worried that you'd never show up!" exclaimed Peach, obviously relieved.

"I brought you a present." said Mario.

"Aw, that's so sweet! Thank you!" she said as she opened it to find a parasol. "How thoughtful! I lost my parasol a while ago. Thanks!"

"Um…" said Mario, blushing. "…do you want to go back downstairs and say hi to Luigi?"

"Oh, I'd love to!"

The two then walked out of the room back downstairs.