"Mutual destruction is not your final choice."
The man stood there, looking calmly and gently into Fujimaru Ritsuka's eyes, a faint smile on his face.
That smile felt strangely familiar to Fujimaru Ritsuka, yet he could not say why.
"Roman...!" Lawrence's pupils trembled as she stared at Roman's back.
"You!"
She seemed to have guessed something and wanted to say it.
"No, you can't!"
"We still have a chance. There has to be a way—you can't—"
"Lawrence."
Roman merely met Lawrence's gaze quietly for a moment, then smiled.
"That guy Leonardo is risking his life to protect the Control Room right now."
"So it's only natural that I'd appear here."
Fujimaru Ritsuka realized something as well. He abruptly grabbed Roman's arm.
"Doctor, you—"
"All right, Ritsuka, Lawrence, let go of me first. If you keep doing this, then there's no point in me being here."
There was a hint of helplessness in Roman's voice. He freed himself from Fujimaru Ritsuka and Lawrence's grasp and walked ahead of them.
"Ritsuka. Lawrence."
"Thank you."
"You've fought hard. You've done more than enough."
"But sorry, it seems I still want to steal some of your spotlight."
Yeah. That was right.
Mash had reminded me.
At a time like this, staying in the rear... really wasn't my style.
Fou crouched nearby and looked up at him, an inscrutable expression in his eyes.
"Romani Archaman?" Goetia frowned at the suddenly appearing Roman, utterly perplexed. "Why would a mere human appear upon the Throne of Jade?"
Click—
Roman said nothing and offered no answer. He merely turned around, raised his head, and looked up at Goetia.
His leather shoes rang crisply against the white steps of the Throne of Jade, each sound striking at everyone's heart.
His aura had changed.
The core within Goetia's chest suddenly