The sun peaked in the sky, casting a bright, pale light over the city. Yet, the cold, biting wind still swept through the streets. The chill breeze allowed the town centre to bustle with hundreds of people.

     Crowds gather together, forming a sea of bodies that fill every available space. The chatter merges into whispers as neighbours lean in close to each other, sharing their thoughts and gossip. The anticipation of the imminent speech hangs in the air, creating a thick atmosphere of curiosity.

     Gregory, wearing his outdoor coat with a stylish top hat, sat between his friends, appropriately dressed for the day. He scanned the surroundings, observing the animated conversations and the empty stage that awaited its speaker. Adjusting his top hat to shield his eyes from the sun's sharp glare, he settled in, ready to listen and absorb the words that were about to be spoken.

     Slowly, the buzzing voices fade, giving way to silence. Gregory looks back at the stage, where he spots his friend stepping forward and standing at the centre front. All eyes focus on the figure who is about to address everyone.

Oliver cleared his throat, and his voice rang through the crowd as he began his speech. With a deep breath, he projected his words. "Ladies and gentlemen, I bid you greetings and a good day. Before I delve into my official address, allow me first to appeal to your understanding and sincerity. I must humbly apologise for any confusion caused by recent rumours. It has come to my attention that some of you may have heard whispers of my admiration for a certain individual. I must clarify that these claims are unfounded. In truth, I find myself devoid of any romantic infatuation towards anyone."

     As Gregory hears his friend's statement, his eyes sparkle with hope. A deep breath fills his lungs, and he sits straighter in his seat. A broad smile forms on Gregory's face as he opens his ears further. Relief floods his heart, learning that Oliver's words confirm that he doesn't romantically admire anyone.

"My dear audience, I kindly request your undivided attention as I embark on a narrative of profound significance. Today, I shall narrate the poignant tale of the Pyrovoidians, our formidable adversaries whose actions have cast a sombre shadow upon our history," Oliver stated, lying his hands on a slender wooden stand on the stage.

     A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. A flurry of hushed conversations followed. Faces leaned closer to one another, lips brushing against their seatmates' ears as eager whispers and murmurs filled the charged atmosphere once more.

"Yes, my friends, we remember them," Oliver continued solemnly. "We remember those monstrous beings responsible for our loss and suffering. I have studied their origins. And I must ask—do you wish to hear the truth?"

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd.

"Certainly."

"Sure, why not?"

"Let's hear it."

"...These creatures come to life in the dark depths beneath the surface, hidden in the underground realms," Oliver explained. "Their existence is born from the union between a human and a kean. It is through this forbidden amalgamation that the Pyrovoidians multiply, lurking beneath the Earth's crust, awaiting the opportunity to surface and unleash their destructive fury upon innocent lives..." Oliver's tone turned firm and deep. "But fear not, my good people, for I have conquered and eradicated every last one of their kind. However... their return is not far-fetched. As long as the offspring of that forbidden union persists, they will rise again, relentless in their pursuit of bloodshed..." he ventured. "That is why I have made the solemn decision not to procreate nor to marry. I refuse to risk the resurrection of these abominations. Though once unsure of whom to choose as my bride, I am now genuinely resolute in my sincere determination to avoid any union that could revive the Pyro Void Monsters. I invite your inquiries, ladies and gentlemen. If you have questions, please raise your hands."

A woman in the audience raised her hand, seeking clarification. "Sir?"

"Yes?" Oliver nodded and pointed in her direction.

"May I ask for some clarifications?" she asked as she stood up from her seat.

"You may," Oliver nodded.

"So, the Pyrovoidians are created when a human and uh... a kean interbreed," she inquired. "But you mentioned that you've already eliminated them. What makes you believe they will return?"

"It is because, according to their origins, they will continue to multiply as long as there are hybrids, individuals of both human and kean lineage, living among us," he explained.

"Sir...?" another man in the audience raised his hand.

"Yes?" Oliver responded as he pointed at the man.

"Sir," the man questioned, rising from his seat. "Are you certain you have no intention of having children?"

"Yes, I am steadfast in my decision. I only have no intention of having children of my blood. Instead, I shall offer my love and support to orphans, as I have experienced the pain of being one," Oliver responded.

"Sir?" another lady called.

"Yes?"

The woman stood up as she inquired, "Don't you consider marrying, even if you don't plan to have offspring? Can't marriage hold significance for you, even without the prospect of bearing a child?"

"Well... I... I prefer not to," Oliver smiled.