The blazing sun slowly descends below the horizon, colouring the sky with warm orange and pastel pink. As the light fades, shadows and silhouettes swallow the world. The moon emerges behind the clouds, casting an ethereal glow on the streets below.

     The pale moonlight dances with the flickering streetlights, illuminating the dark alleys and corners of the neighbourhood filled with head-tilting mansions. Standing from the street, one can glimpse Frederick's luxurious estate with its imposing architecture and blooming gardens. And one can see Oliver, Frederick and Gregory in their fine black suits through the glossy glass, dining under the pearl chandelier.

"So, as the former mayor of Asbranne, I illegalized forced marriages after hearing your story, Oliver," Frederick said, placing his palms together. "But... I do not wish to force you as your previous adoptive parents did. I want to ensure that you have the freedom to choose your path in life."

"Well, I am pleased to know that I have not yet found myself bound in the chains of marriage," Oliver took a light, delicate sip of his wine and replied with a mischievous smirk.

"I know that marriage may not be for everyone, Oliver," Frederick said calmly. "I just worry that you may feel pressured to continue your family's bloodline."

Oliver shook his head, smiling. "I appreciate your concern, Dad," he replied. "But I have no will to marry without genuine affection."

"Well, I have been receiving letters from parents inquiring about your hand in marriage," Frederick informed Oliver. "Perhaps they might give you someone who will give you genuine affection?"

"Their daughters, I presume?" Oliver scoffed, gradually raising a brow and tightening his lips.

"...You make light of a serious matter," Frederick grinned but furrowed his brows. "But yes, several young women have shown interest in becoming your bride."

Oliver shook his head, his expression one of amusement. "I'm afraid they will be dismayed, for I have not yet found a woman I truly desire."

"Oh, well," Frederick nodded. "If you still fancy having a wife... then... I hope you find the one for you, but that decision is yours," he stated.

Oliver's gaze lowered. "...Remember my former fiancée? Sophia? She told me in person that she had never fallen in love with anyone... for some reason." He thought, "Perhaps I'm like her?"

"You're like her?" Frederick asked.

"Thinking about it, I'm not sure about myself," Oliver replied politely.

"Do you, at least, admire someone?" Frederick continued.

Gregory interrupted, leaning towards his friend and winking, "Mr Mayor? I mean, Mr Frederick... that would be me," Gregory pointed his thumb at himself.

"Oh, what I mean is romantically admiring someone, including having recurring intimate thoughts with that person, Gregory," Frederick giggled as he covered his lips.

Gregory blushed and moved away from Oliver. "Uhm..."

"So!" Frederick repeated his question, folding his hands. "Do you romantically admire someone, Oliver?"

Oliver glanced at Gregory. "...If you mean by admiring someone 'romantically'... then... my answer will be... never. Never even once in my lifetime. Even when I was an orphan in the adoption centre, children would play confession to their crushes. Meanwhile, I couldn't think of someone as a lover!"

"I feel you, son. I understand your situation. Have you ever thought about why I don't have a wife?" Frederick beamed.

Oliver timidly asked, "You don't feel attraction towards people, too?"

"Hm, I like people. In fact, I love people! However, I don't see anybody as a romantic partner," Frederick replied. He then glanced at Gregory and noticed him staring at Oliver. Frederick turned to Gregory and asked, "You seem keen on the topic, Gregory. It looks like you want to share your feelings?"

"Oh, sire, not at all!" Gregory gasped.

Oliver nudged Gregory. "Hey?"

"Oh, yes?" Gregory immediately responded.

"Do you like someone?" Oliver whispered, glancing at his left and right.

"I, uh, like you as a friend... and Mr Frederick... uh! Sophia... my cousin... and my mother. I think that's all," Gregory answered.

Oliver reminded Gregory. "Wait a minute! You never told me your cousin's name earlier!" His eyes gleamed.

Gregory shushed him. "It's a secret. He's a Podeshire fan. He will undergo hysteria if he realizes that we're friends!" Gregory whispered into Oliver's ear, slightly giggling.

Frederick gasped. "What if Gregory's cousin is the one for you, Oliver?" Frederick wondered.

"...My cousin's a male," Gregory said.

"Oh, forgive me, Oliver," Frederick's breath trembled, his glance falling in embarrassment.

"It's fine. No worries, Dad," Oliver responded, shaking his head lightly as he grinned.