Elias stepped forward and spoke. Everyone, please listen well. On this occasion, I have officially entered into an engagement with Lady Guest, daughter of the Duke, with whom I have long shared a close bond. From this day forward, she shall be welcomed into the royal family as the candidate for Crown Princess. This is not merely a result of an arrangement between our two houses. I myself have desired her as my lifelong companion, and she, too, has accepted this union. Here, I formally announce our engagement. I ask for your continued loyalty and blessings for her, for myself, and for both our families.

...And above all, I truly desire the future that I will walk together with her. With those words, he turned his gaze toward Guest and reached out his hand.