The next day, a white door swings open. Frederick, in a white shirt with a stylish cravat tie, steps into the room with his hands on his back. Sophia, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany, all attired for the day, trail behind and enter the room.

     As the group steps into the room, they spot Oliver and Gregory sitting on a luxurious emerald-green sofa facing the doorway. The warm glow of the morning sunlight passes through the wide rectangular window and beams on the floor. The dark green shade cloaks the walls, evoking a refreshing forest atmosphere. Lush, vibrant plants flood the space with their blooming foliage matching the room's colour palette.

"We have gathered here as you requested, Oliver. What is the purpose of this meeting?" Frederick stated as he took his seat, and so did the others.

Oliver appeared bashful, looking at the floor with quivering eyes.

"What brings us here?" Sophia asked. "Are we planning another outing, perhaps?"

"Oh... uh. It is... it's something of greater significance," Gregory interjected.

"Oh! So, tell us. What brings us here?" Sophia replied.

Oliver, still feeling shy, gathered his courage and uttered. "Regarding the persistent proposals..."

"Is it the usual marriage proposals?" Sarrah asked.

"Yeah," Oliver nodded.

"They have not ceased yet?" Bethany raised a brow.

"I thought we had resolved this matter by disposing of those letters," said Frederick.

"Indeed, but the letters continue to arrive incessantly. Our maids have grown weary of burning them, and our backyard is perpetually engulfed in smoke," Oliver explained, rubbing his elbow.

"That is a reasonable concern," Frederick acknowledged. "So, I assume you intend to change our approach in dealing with these letters?"

"No. Well, yes. Yeah... I... I have devised an alternative plan to halt the influx of these letters," Oliver responded.

"Okay, what is your plan?" Frederick leaned forward.

"Wait. So, what is our contribution here? Us?" Edgar shrugged. "Me? Sophia? Sarrah and Bethany?"

"Oh... uhm. Just listen. So..." Oliver cleared his throat. "Before I disclose how we can cease the deluge of unwanted correspondence to our home, I feel compelled to share something," Oliver stated.

"I'm intrigued," Bethany crossed her legs.

"Go on," said Sophia.

"This will be worth it," Sarrah crossed her arms, slightly smiling with eyes half-closed.

"Allow me to elaborate on my circumstances," Oliver began. "You are all aware of my difficulty finding romantic affection, correct?"

"Are you trying to hint that you have changed and found yourself a woman?" Sophia wondered.

"Congratulations if that is the case, Oliver," Frederick beamed.

"No! Please, wait. That is not the case. I have not discovered a woman to whom my heart inclines. The reasons elude me," Oliver clarified.

"You always say that. So, let's go to the main topic instead already," Sarrah smirked.

"Fine... I... I have... h-have..." Oliver stuttered.

"Take some deep breaths first, son," Frederick suggested.

"Think of your words before you speak, too, so you can be more confident," Bethany grinned. "We can wait."

Oliver took a deep breath. "...I have formulated a plan to inform the entire city of Asbranne about my current relationship status. By making them aware of my committed relationship, we may hope that the people of Asbranne will desist from pressuring their daughters upon me. Thus, the letters and the intrusive encounters shall cease. I aspire to regain the peace I once enjoyed," said Oliver.

"...You're in a relationship!??" Frederick, Sophia, Edgar, Sarrah and Bethany gawked at Oliver.

"With who!?" Bethany wondered eagerly, squeezing her fists and placing them under her jaw.