In a dark space-like room with no noise to reach anyone's ear, a man named Oliver takes a deep breath in and out while facing the floor and resting his eyes. Oliver's green tailcoat reaches the back of his shaky knees. He has his trousers, resembling the dark clouds in a rainy sky, keeping his trembling legs warm. And a comfy white garment wraps around his neck as a cravat tie to keep him from shivering.

     Suddenly, a door opened as it creaked. Light entered the room, causing the six golden buttons on Oliver's tailcoat to beam. His silver hair with dark roots reflected the blinding light from the open doorway. Oliver slowly fixed his head, facing the door as his golden amber eyes and fair, smooth, light skin glowed.

     A young lady emerged from the white light through the open wooden door. At first, a shadow covered her whole front, creating a silhouette of a person wearing a high-waisted dress and a bonnet. Her flat shoes with crisscross straps clanked louder as she approached Oliver.

     As the light spreads inside the room and the girl draws nearer, her face becomes clear. Her eyes shine like emeralds, and her delicate skin glistens as the sunlight bounces on her peach dress. She then stops, and the daylight from her back reflects onto her short but voluminous hair that gleams like gold.

"Oli?" she called out.

"Sophia?" Oliver responded.

"...Are you ready?" she asked, keeping her voice low and calm.

Oliver nodded slowly.

     Oliver took a long, deep breath. Then, suddenly, he found himself already climbing the stairs to the stage. The heels of his black leather shoes beat onto the wooden floorboard as he got into the centre of the platform, where a stand awaited him.

     Clamours and whispers fill the entire ambient inside the town centre, where buildings enclose a courtyard. It causes the racketing noises from the hundreds of crowds to echo. But, as soon as Oliver reaches the front of the stage, the loud mumbles fade.

Oliver cleared his throat as he placed his fist before his lips. Then, he sighed before releasing a deep, loud voice, addressing the crowds. "Ladies and gentlemen. I extend my greetings and wish you a good day. I have called upon you all here in the town centre to address a matter of great importance. It is with utmost sincerity that I wish to inform each of you about my decision, carefully pondered and respectfully reached, to decline all marriage proposals that have been kindly extended to me."

     Men and women in the seats began whispering in disbelief. Scoffing, they exchanged glances with their brows furrowed. Murmurs rippled through the air, nothing to hear but the anticipating crowds' faint complaints.

"I apologise to everyone present. As the Defender of Asbranne, it is my solemn duty to protect this city at all costs. However, there shall be a time when I will depart from this world. And I understand that this is the fair reason why there is a fervent desire amongst my people for me to enter into matrimony... to ensure the continuity of our city's defenders once I cease to exist," Oliver ventured as his voice resonated. "But... I must confess that I have not yet discovered a deep and passionate love for anyone. Despite the numerous women introduced to me by well-meaning parents, I have failed to ignite genuine interest. The uncertainties that pervade my life have further dampened my enthusiasm for romantic attachments."

     The crowds cannot let a word out of their mouth. Instead of uttering, they stare, and some glare at the Remaining Podeshire. Hundreds of pairs of eyes watch as their faces contort with disappointment.

"Furthermore, I wish to address the possible reason behind my inability to develop romantic feelings. It is a trait that has accompanied me throughout my life, for I have grown up in seclusion within the confines of my former adoptive parents' household. It hindered my ability to form such connections," he continued, raising his voice.

     Oliver glances at the crowds and spots his friend, Sophia, watching among them. Oliver and Sophia smile at each other, locking their eyes on one another. Oliver then lowers his eyes and continues speaking.

"Despite my earnest efforts, I have yet to acquire the romantic sentiments that society expects. I share this truth with you all in the hope that you may understand the complexities of my heart and the genuine nature of my predicament," Oliver stated.

     The crowd maintains a stern and stoic gaze at Oliver with their piercing eyes fixed upon him, except for a man named Frederick. Frederick, a middle-aged gentleman, wears a benevolent smile that stretches from ear to ear, and his eyes sparkle like the sun-kissed woods. Time has painted his thinning hair with a silvery hue, and wrinkles trace the contours of his face.

     Frederick wears a white shirt beneath a well-fitted blue vest, creating a striking contrast against his black tailcoat and trousers. He dons a top hat, shading him from the sun as its brim casts a shadow on his pale face. He also has a ruffled cravat tie around his neck, cascading onto his chest like a waterfall.

     Oliver's gaze draws to his right, where his loyal companion, Gregory, sits amidst the sea of people. Gregory's vibrant smile contrasts his dark hair, neatly tucked under a stylish top hat. His bronze-coloured eyes gleam, reflecting the sunlight, while his broad, muscular shoulders and a subtle light beard create a striking presence.

     Gregory wears an orange waistcoat above his white shirt and cravat tie. He pairs his outfit with a black coat. He matches his vest with brown trousers draping above his black shoes.

      Sitting beside Gregory on his left is Edgar. Edgar is a teenage boy whose gaze beams with admiration towards the Remaining Podeshire. His eyes shimmer like the clear blue sky, radiating with youthful enthusiasm, and his hair glints, mimicking the colour of the sunlight.

     Edgar wears a formal brown leather waistcoat over a dark grey, long-sleeved shirt. He folds his sleeves up to his elbows, revealing his forearms. Tight black breeches embrace his thighs, and white cotton stockings hug his calves.

     On Edgar's left side sits Sarrah. Her fiery hair dangles over her cheeks while the rest is styled into a smooth bun atop her head. Her eyes mirror the shade of her light skin, radiating warmth like the setting sun.

     Sarrah nods at Oliver. Then, the daylight casts a soft gleam on her shiny beige dress accentuating an empire-style silhouette with wavy patterns adorning the bottom of her skirt. Completing her attire, she dons a woven bonnet around her head, protecting her against the sunlight.

     Beside Sarrah sits Bethany. Her unique complexion resembles rich milk chocolate, and her coal-black, curly hair is coiled into a high bun. Despite her eyes' dark hue, the sun infuses them with hazel hues, shimmering like the stars.

     Bethany's dress perfectly matches the colour of her eyes. A black bow accentuates her slender waist while her black sleeves run up to her wrists. Completing her look, she wears a white fichu, covering her neckline.

     With these essential people in a life full of struggles, Oliver sighs in relief and feels at ease. Their warm and gentle smiles envelop him, allowing him to forget the weight of his current situation. It is as if he is at home, surrounded by the embrace of his loved ones.