172 Chapter 172

It was impossible to tell who was more stunned. Growing as rigid as a statue, Maxi waited for Riftan to dissolve like a mirage. She would have preferred to crumble to dust over letting him see her in such a wretched state.

As always, fate cruelly turned its back on her. Riftan remained standing, wearing a stupefied expression she had never seen on him before.

The Duke of Croyso came to his senses first. He wrenched his hand away and looked back and forth between the wide-open door and the unexpected intruder. His face slowly twisted in outrage.

"How did you get in here? You dare break into my castle?! Do not think I will overlook this transgression! If you do not leave this instant—"

"I asked…"

Riftan's voice was toneless and calm, yet somehow chilling enough to make the imperious duke pause. Finally pulling his gaze away from Maxi, Riftan turned to the duke and continued.

"…what in the devil it is you are doing?"