Apoo sat on a giant drum, snapping his fingers impatiently as a bouquet of bright flowers tried to sing to him. But nothing made his heart pound as much as the thought of what was to come.

"Hah... arranged marriage, huh?! Scratchmen Apoo, the New World's hottest DJ, being lassoed at the altar like a beat out of time! Tsk!"

He spun on his heel, adjusting his sunglasses, when he heard the distinct sound of footsteps... long, rhythmic, almost like slow bass drum beats. When he turned, his jaw dropped half an inch.

Charlotte walked in with effortless elegance. Tall—even taller than expected—with long legs that moved like gentle waves. The winds around them seemed to change tone, creating a new melody just by her presence.

*Apoo's eyes widened, whistling softly.

"Ooooh?! WHAT'S THIS?! A tower of walking elegance! Mama wasn't kidding!"

He took an awkward leap forward, tripping on a root and nearly falling face-first, but turned the tumble into a dramatic spin, rising to his feet with his arms outstretched.

"Wow! That leg... it's off the charts! You're such a strong stride, woman! It's like the heavens are playing a drum when you walk! Hah! I love that!"

Charlotte just tilted her head, watching him silently with a curious look. The surrounding servants were already moving away, knowing that Apoo's presence always came with... noise.

He stepped closer, placing his hands on his hips.

"So you're my future wife, huh? Charlotte... queen of long strides! Hah! If you're going to dance with me, I'll need skates and stilts, Apapapa!"

She blinked slowly. No words. Just a faint smile. Apoo rubbed his chin, staring at her with a confused glint in his eyes.

"...Are you measuring me, are you? Is it because of my size? Wait a minute... I'll wear a zanco! There, there! Marriage settled!"

He made an exaggerated gesture, and with a "THUD!" sound, two wooden sticks sprang from the ground and lifted him a few inches, enough to almost reach her gaze.

"Now we're more balanced! Hehe! You know what, Charlotte? I'm starting to enjoy this game. You may not talk much, but you have stage presence. I respect that!"

With a final pop, petals danced in the air like confetti. Apoo smiled, a genuine, almost shy smile, belying all his eccentricity. His eyes shifted a little, nervously.

"Just... just go easy on me, okay? I make too much noise, but... I also have the rhythm to take care of whoever walks next to me. And in your case, that's a pretty big step, right?"