Thousands of eyes bore into the Remaining Podeshire. Their unyielding gazes pierced through him. Silence hung heavy in the air, swallowing the surroundings in an eerie stillness. Not even a whispered breath dared to disturb the quietness.

     As a gust of wind sweeps through, the crowd erupts into a cacophony of clamour and whispers. Disappointment and disagreement mingle, and their voices blend. Their restless murmurs and complaints reach the clouds in the heavens.

     Oliver's lips gradually curve downwards. Anxious gazes and questioning conversations fill the space as the crowd's frustrated murmurs become shouts. With a heavy sigh, Oliver casts his eyes to the ground, knowing that his choice has not garnered the respect he had hoped for.

     Later, Oliver, Frederick, Sophia, Gregory, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany walked together along the gravel pathway, enveloped by verdant greenery. Their footsteps crunched softly against the ground as they moved forward. The atmosphere was devoid of noise except for the melodic chirping of birds and the gentle hum of crickets.

     Vibrant patches of flowers, ranging in hues of pink, yellow, red, purple, and blue, provide a vivid contrast against the lush green grass. The tree branches sway and dance with the chill wind. Serenity and tranquillity replace the clamour, blanketing the group in a peaceful aura.

     Walking, Oliver gently taps his adoptive father, Frederick, on his left shoulder, drawing his attention. Oliver's gaze lingers on Frederick's once-light brown hair, now transformed into a crown of white. A sigh streams through Oliver's mouth as he glances at the ground.

"I still can't understand why people couldn't just respect my decision," Oliver voiced his frustration to Frederick as they walked.

Frederick replied with a steady voice. "Oliver, my son, don't bother thinking about those who are against you. Remember! I respect and even support your decision. Remember the smile on my face earlier?" he beamed.

"Thanks, Dad. But..."

"Mr Frederick's right. We all respect you," Gregory chimed in with a grin.

"Oh, Greg, I appreciate it," Oliver looked at Gregory. "But the general public still insists on pressuring me to marry their daughters!"

"Calm down. Remember when your former adoptive parents and my parents were eager for us to wed?" Sophia interjected. "But in the end, they learned to accept reality. And the reality is that we choose to remain unmarried."

"I'm sure my previous adoptive parents haven't accepted the fact we called off the wedding last year. They had to chase me out of my window," Oliver sighed, his gaze fixed on the pathway.

"Oh, my..." Sophia gasped, putting her palm before her lips.

"Forget about that, Oli. People will soon respect you, though it'll take some time," Gregory reassured, his hand resting on Oliver's shoulder.

"Yeah. Just like what I told you, Oli," Sophia added as she smiled. "One step at a time."

"You have great wisdom, girl," Sarrah told Sophia. She then glanced at Bethany. "Right, Beth?"

Bethany skipped along the trail. "Agreed!"

"Why, thank you, Sarrah and Bethany," Sophia responded, smirking.

Oliver groaned suddenly. "What's the point of getting me married? Why does this world want me to get married!?" he exclaimed.

"You're not interested in marriage, huh?" Edgar spoke up. "But... if there was a girl you admired, would you consider marrying her?"

"Well, sure. But... I'm just..." Oliver took a deep breath. "...I'm just not capable of feeling attracted yet..."

"I understand," Edgar nodded.

"Oli? Forgive me for my question. But may I ask? Why can't you fall in love?" Gregory asked curiously.

"I... I didn't grow up surrounded by girls, Greg," Oliver explained. "That's why I feel so disconnected around them."

"Excuse me!?" Sophia, Sarrah, and Bethany crossed their arms, staring at Oliver in disbelief.

"I mean- you guys... girls... are still my friends. But I can't seem to develop romantic feelings for any woman," Oliver clarified as he nervously circled his hands.

"...That's understandable," Sophia smiled, raising her eyebrows.

"That's a relief," Bethany whispered.

"Shh!" Oliver suddenly halted, causing the entire group to stop walking. He listened intently, feeling a cold wave creeping up his spine. "...Can you guys hear that?" Oliver asked, lowering his voice.

"What?" Frederick questioned.

Oliver slowly turned his head and stomped his foot in frustration. "Oh, damn it! Here we go again!" he grunted.

     A swarm of men and women flooded the area as their footsteps thundered like an army ready for battle. The ground trembled beneath their hurried feet, and clouds of smoke erupted in their wake. Dozens of husbands and wives rushed towards Oliver, startling him. It was as though their lives depended on being the first to speak with the Remaining Podeshire.

"Sir! Sir! Do consider marrying our daughter! She possesses fine education and is virtuous!" a man and woman forcefully pushed their young daughter towards Oliver.

Oliver hastily stepped back, feeling overwhelmed. "Uhm..."

"Oh, our Defender! I present my two unwedded daughters! Kindly select one to be your betrothed!" a man proudly showcased his daughters.

"Sir Podeshire! I humbly offer you my daughter as your bride! She is intelligent and will laugh at your jests!" a woman pleaded.

"Our daughter is the epitome of meekness compared to any maiden in Asbranne!" a couple furiously competed.

"Sir! You shall find unparalleled tranquillity if you consider joining your fortunes with our daughter!" a man demanded.

"Alright, that's it," Sophia swiftly positioned herself in front of Oliver, interposing her arms and shielding him from the eager parents. "I politely beseech you, grant the Remaining Podeshire some space!" she commanded.

     Oliver stood, his eyes wide with disbelief, as his friends swiftly extended their arms, forming a protective circle around him. They closed in, creating a barrier, while Oliver hugged himself tightly. Shaking his head, Oliver scanned the crowd that seemed to be closing in from all sides until he spotted a small gap between a husband and a wife, beckoning him to escape the suffocating enclosure.

      Oliver swiftly ducks and slips through the gap beneath the outstretched arms of his loyal companions. He then hastens away, unnoticed by the chaotic commotion of people clamouring around his friends. Their attention fixates on the tightly packed gathering, allowing Oliver to flee, unseen and inconspicuous in his escape.