"Huh?"
Aurelia was confused, and so were the bandits, unable to make sense of the words spoken by Riku.
Riku ignored them. His gaze was still fixed on Lady Aurelia. A slow, thoughtful smile spread across his face.
"It's incredible," he said, his voice a quiet murmur.
Aurelia stared at him, her face a mask of confusion. "What... what are you talking about?"
"You," Riku said, his smile widening. "You are exactly the kind of person I have been searching for."
He looked at her, his eyes filled with a strange, sincere light. "I came to this kingdom looking for people who are strong enough to be kind. People who, even when faced with their own death, would try to protect a stranger."
He let out a short, soft laugh. "It seems that fate has a strange way of bringing people together. The circumstances could be better, of course. But I promise you, Lady Aurelia. I will save you."
Aurelia was speechless. She stared at him as if he were a madman.
