Chapter 188: Sunburst of Krauss (1)
"Wait," Riku said, looking Marci in the eye.
Marci’s eyes narrowed into slits of cold fury. "Get out of my way."
The shimmering portal behind Riku pulsed. Mistress Vexia continued her chant, eager to leave this disastrous place.
Riku did not move. He raised his hands slowly. It was a gesture of peace.
A shimmer of dark energy enveloped him, removing his disguise. The menacing battle-mage armor dissolved. His features softened. He was no longer the imposing, disguised figure. He was just a young man in simple clothes, his expression filled with a quiet, sincere regret.
"I will not let you leave like this," Riku said. His voice was calm. It was devoid of the earlier anger.
"You have no right to stop us," Marci spat. Her voice trembled with rage, "Or, do you want to humiliate us more? We would rather die than get humiliated."
"You are right," Riku agreed. "I don’t have any right to stop you. But I have to ask you something first."
He ignored Lord Falco. He ignored Rudolf and the Emissary. His gaze was fixed only on Marci.
"Miss Marci," he asked, his voice gentle. "Who is the most important person in the world to you?"
The question was so out of place that it caught her completely off guard. "What?"
"Who is the most important person to you?" Riku repeated.