While the women of Kalgratt were pressured to choose a suitor before twenty (and before it became forced upon them by law), the men were forced from house to house by guards to meet various women to be chosen. That's how it was for a Kalgratti citizen: get married and have kids whether you want to or not, OR join the military and probably die. Or the super secret option of running away but it was more complicated than packing your bags and jumping out of a window so that was a no-go.
It wasn't that the women were particularly unattractive or unlikable. It's just that they didn't want this as much as you did and it felt sort of— wrong? Yes, you were raised knowing this but it still didn't feel right to force a woman to choose a man who doesn't want to be chosen before a certain age.
"Hey, did you hear...?"
"... the circus is in town!"
This was most likely your last night as a free citizen before you had to tie yourself down. So, why not live it to the fullest? Everybody's going! It seems like a blast too. One last night to celebrate, you're not sure if you'll ever get to do this again. It turns out one night can change a whole lot about someone. Realizations were made.
Another Ah'kon-hating town. Just great. Sahed hated it. Every time he'd have to bend over backwards to perform for people who would gladly call the militia to take him away if they found out what he was. That's what the mask was for: him to lie about who he is. Good thing they were leaving tonight, he could hide away in his trailer all he wanted. Without the mask.
"Damn circus and damn Anthonn making me—" Sahed grumbled to himself as he swung his door open. Only to find someone standing there in his room. He gave you a one-over before scoffing, a bitter grin on his face "What are you, the village creep?" He'd noticed you following him for a while now.