Kiara continued after a brief pause, speaking slowly and clearly so that every word would settle in Arceus Silver's heart like rain sinking into parched earth.
"Marriage," she said, "is like engraving words into stone. Once the chisel strikes, the mark remains unless the stone itself is broken. But an engagement is only ink on paper. If both sides decide the writing no longer serves them, the paper can be torn and the world will move on."
The moonlight rested upon her face, turning her expression calm and earnest.
"So what I am proposing is an engagement with benefits."
Arceus blinked, the unusual phrase momentarily cutting through his grief.
Kiara continued before he could interrupt.
