Soon, Oliver finds himself inside a dim room, wearing his green outdoor attire and cloud-grey trousers. He looks around the corners, crossing his arms, while the door behind him emits a faint yet discernible murmur and distant voices. As his glance roams around, the blazing heat inside the room provokes sweat to trickle down Oliver's face.

     Oliver raises his hands, using them to wipe away the glistening sweat from his forehead. He then brushes his silver hair with his fingers. With each passing second, the noise outside grows more pronounced as muffled conversations fill his ears. Curious and losing patience, Oliver turns around and presses his ear against the wooden door, eager to hear the commotion beyond.

     Suddenly, the door opens, almost causing Oliver to fall on the other side. Blinded by the light outside, Oliver takes a few steps backwards. As his vision adjusts to the brightness, his eyes fix on his lover entering the room with him, making him form a grin.

"Oli," Gregory called out softly.

"Greg," Oliver sighed in relief, placing his palms against his neck.

"You ready?" Gregory asked politely.

"Heh, slightly nervous," Oliver said.

"There's nothing to fear," Gregory reassured, reaching for Oliver's hands and firmly locking their fingers.

"Well... I'm sorry, but I cannot help but overthink slightly..." Oliver sighed. "What if this plan backfires?" Oliver tightened his grip around Gregory's fingers.

"Fear not," Gregory whispered. "Instead, we should be joyful, for today will bring clarity about our relationship. And hopefully, it will put an end to the persistent matchmaking attempts from everyone else."

"Hopefully," Oliver nodded.

Gregory then embraced Oliver, encircling his arms around his lover's head. "I love you," he whispered, his breath brushing Oliver's hair.

Oliver encircled his arms around Gregory's shoulders. "I love you, too."

Gregory slowly released their embrace. "Now, stay calm. You need to present yourself with confidence today," he smiled.

"I will," Oliver smiled back.

     Gregory grabs the doorknob and opens the door. Stepping outside, Gregory stumbles upon an ocean of men and women in the streets. He walks forward as the breeze brushes through his hair. Gregory then squeezes through the crowd on his path before reaching the seats facing a stage.

     Gregory squeezes between a row of seats. He then carefully passes through the crowd, occasionally stumbling and accidentally stepping on the toes of nearby civilians. Finally, Gregory reaches the middle column of the seats.

     Blowing a deep breath through his mouth, Gregory sits between Frederick and Sophia, alongside Edgar, Sarrah and Bethany. Sweat drips from his neck and forehead, drenching his clothes. Feeling the humid moisture beneath his coat, Gregory swiftly pulls a napkin from his pocket, snatching it out. While panting, he wipes off the sweat from his head.

     More crowds entered the area. Whispers and conversations filled the air, swirling in every direction. The blaring volume of each man's voice muffled the atmosphere.

     Slowly, the chatter gradually subsided. Men shushed others, and silence enveloped the surroundings. All attention shifted to the Remaining Podeshire ascending the steep steps of the stage.

     Oliver marches towards the centre of the stage. As he faces the crowd, he places his hands on a stand's wooden surface. Taking a deep breath, he glances from left to right, surveying the audience with keen eyes.

"Greetings to all. Ladies and gentlemen, I have convened this gathering today to make yet another proclamation," Oliver delivered his speech, raising his steady voice. "...We are all acquainted with the challenges I have faced in matters of the heart, my struggle to find affection for a woman. Once, it seemed inconceivable that I could ever experience such emotions. However, fate has guided me onto a different path. Thus, I stand before you today to declare that I have, indeed, entered into a romantic alliance..." Oliver revealed, causing the listeners to gasp. He then took a deep breath and continued. "...In light of this revelation, I humbly seek your benevolence in honouring my commitment by refraining from inundating the Alcadee Residence with marriage proposals and abstaining from interrupting my duties solely to present your daughters as potential suitors. Moreover, on this auspicious occasion, I shall introduce, to each of you, the person who has captured my heart, for I am aware of your curiosity regarding the object of my affections."

     The crowd's eyes grew wide, locked in anticipation upon the Remaining Podeshire on stage, awaiting the unravelling of the answer. Desperate for the information, everyone remained silent, hesitant to release even a breath from their noses and mouths. Expectations caused the air to spark with electricity as they hung on every word, yearning to satisfy their curiosity.

"I am with Gregory. Gregory Hidesine," Oliver announced.

     No words flew out of the crowd's mouths. Instead of uttering, everyone screwed their mouths shut and turned their heads towards Gregory. Hundreds of eyes fixated on him with unwavering glares that pierced. They held their stares, refusing to look away.

     Oliver expected reassurance. However, he met a haunting dread instead. Oliver's eyes lowered to his shoes, contemplating the potential consequences. Fear gripped him, causing him to tightly press his lips together while wrapping his arms around himself.