39 A promise kep

"You kept your promise!" Cira exclaimed through a muffled voice before looking up at him to see his warm smile. "That I did," Riyku replied and Cira nodded. "Though, you had me worried sick! All of a sudden the broadcast was cut off and I didn't know what was going to happen. No one knew anything about what happened or who even won. Though, I figured it was you when my father started talking about how taxation was bring dropped and the cost of living went down. He had his woohoo's and boos about it, but overall he was quite happy to know that someone from our Overhaul won." Cira explained her theory which caused Riyku to chuckle lightly. "You put all that together to figure out it was me eh?" Riyku seemed quite impressed by how smart she was. "Mhm." Cira nodded. "By the way, what did you need to talk about with my father?" Cira questioned. "Oh that... Well, you see..." Riyku would begin to explain what it was he was going to talk to her father about at tonight's dinner. When he finished Cira would blush brightly. "Are you serious!? I mean... I don't know what he would say! You don't have to do this either!" Cira exclaimed and Riyku shook his head in return. "Don't worry. I am quite fine with this and I am sure I can persuade your father." Riyku would reply to her with a confident gesture. "Well, enough about me. Surely you are wishing to know what it is that I have been doing." Riyku would add before beginning to explain what had happened to him after the Death Games. The checking up they did took quite a bit of our their day since Henry had come to fetch both of them.

"My Lady, dinner will be ready shortly. Please wash up. Same with you, Master Riyku." Henry had stated as he stood before both of them. They were sitting at a small round picnic table, partaking of glasses of tea. It was indeed around that time since the sun was preparing to set for the day. "Thank you, Henry." Cira would state with a nod. "We will be there shortly," Riyku added and Henry would bow before taking his leave. "Geez, I didn't even realize how much time had passed." Cira would comment with a soft sigh. Riyku's crimsons eyes looked past her for a moment to glance around at the beauty of the various flowers that paired nicely with the coloration of the trees and even the setting of the sun. "I could get used to this," Riyku commented softly. Cira would glance around before nodding happily. "It is indeed beautiful. This is where I come to relax most of the time since it is my favorite place." Cira added before glancing over to Riyku. The scenery seemed to bring out some of the beauty of him even if it wasn't feminine. The way the gentle breeze gracefully kissed his figure and caused his black hair to dance around was... majestic in a sense. So much so that it caused Cira to blush softly. Taking note of the intense glance upon him, Riyku would shift his eyes from the sunset to Cira. "Lovestruck, again?" Riyku teased her which caused her to clear her throat. "I am not!" She exclaimed and Riyku chuckled softly. "If you say so. Let's get going." Riyku would move from his chair and around the table to hold the door open for her. Cira would nod softly and smile before moving in before him of which he followed.

It did not take them too long to wash up and take their seats at a large yet mildly empty dinner table. There was only Cira's Father, herself and him. The Father sat at the end of the table with Cira on his right side and Riyku sat on the left side. The food was already brought out to them and set on the plates for them to enjoy. In Riyku's eyes it appeared to be some kind of meatloaf dish, but... well uniquely designed. In all honesty, the appeal made it look tasty, but also fancy. Taking up his dining ware he would use the fork to keep the meatloaf in place, before using the knife to cut it open so he could take a piece. The meatloaf itself seemed to spill out a pleasant aroma along with the juices. Taking the piece of meatloaf from his fork into his mouth he would take a moment to savor the flavors.

"How is it?" Cira's Father inquired. Riyku would nod in agreement with his statement. "It is wonderful." Riyku would reply. "I am glad to hear about it. Please, do enjoy some of the wine as well. It goes quite well with the meatloaf If I do say so myself." The man added and Riyku took up the glass to take a sip of the red liquid. The taste seemed to pair quite well with the meatloaf as the man had stated. "You are right. Thank you." Riyku would comment. "Of course, now then. My apologies, but I have yet to introduce myself. My name is Dom Maverick. As you may have heard, I am the owner of Gambit's Arcade as well as its founder. I am also the CEO of the Mana Corporation. Which deals with the manipulation of mana by the use of spell incantation and artifacts that also deal with mana manipulation. Of course, you also know of my daughter, Cira Maverick." Dom would introduce himself as well as a summary of his occupation. He also seemed to introduce his daughter, of which he already knew about. "I see, it is a pleasure to make your acquittance. My name is Riyku Von Rosario. I am a student at Strife University, my class is One A. I have no occupation, but from time to time I do odd jobs." Riyku would introduce himself in turn and the man would nod.

"The pleasure is all mine. Now then, what was it you were wishing to speak to me about?" Dom would inquire before partaking of his meal. Cira had been sitting quietly, enjoying the meal before her the entire time. "Ah yes. It is about your daughter. You see, I am against forcing her hand in marriage." The statement Riyku made caused Dom to narrow his eyes as he stopped a bite from going into his mouth. He would set the fork down and look dead at Riyku. "Are you suggesting you have some form of marital feeling towards her?" The man asked firmly, without beating around the bush. Riyku would shake his head and wave his hand about. "No. Do not get me wrong though, she is fun to be around and I enjoy your company." Riyku would explain. "Then why are you against this?" Dom inquired which caused Riyku to nod. "Forcing something upon someone is... sad. Unless they are willing to accept whatever it is you are trying to give them, I see no merit in it. By forcing your daughter to marry, she will be stripped of all of her freedom. From one Father figure to another, I find your lack of parental discretion.... pitiful." Cira's eyes widened while Dom's narrowed to a glare as he processed what he was just told.

"You said from one father figure to another, how old are you exactly? You appear to in your mid-twenties. It is not wrong to say that you have a child, but your child would be extremely young. At best, around six or seven years old. So do enlighten me on how I should be a parent." It seemed Riyku struck a nerve with what he said since the male appeared to be rather upset. "Had." Riyku would correct the man which caused his expression to soften. "Pardon?" Dom inquired to make sure he heard that right. "I had a daughter. She recently passed away, about a few months ago." Riyku stated which caused the man to clear his throat. "My apologize..." Dom stated softly and Cira seemed to give Riyku an apologetic glance having recalled what she was told. Riyku would shake his head. "It is quite fine. Several friends of mine have helped me through it. Though, it does show how little time we have with our loved ones. So to hand them off too--" Riyku was interrupted when Dom rose his hand to stop him from speaking. "I get what you are saying. However, I have listened to Cira. She has no intention of taking over the company when I am gone. While that is fine with me, I need someone to do it since we have no distant relatives and her mother, my wife is no longer with us." Dom stated firmly which caused Riyku to nod softly. "I understand, which is why I would like to propose a deal with you." This statement caught Dom's attention.

"What deal?" Dom inquired. Riyku would nod softly before tapping upon his wristband and navigating to his status screen. He would move his hand above the table and push the screen outward which seemed to expand it for all to see. "If you will study the screen for a moment."

Name: Riyku Von Rosario *

Rank: Pro(11)

Wins: 129

Losses: 1

Draws: 0

Points: 39,256,210

Subscribers: 0

Not only did Dom's eyes go wide, but so did Cira's. "Wait! So you are the unknown winner of the Death Games!? It was never announced! I knew someone had one form our Overhaul, but I didn't know who! Why were you kept quiet?" Dom seemed to thirst for information which caused Riyku to chuckle softly. "Well... It's not a happy tale. I do not mind telling you; however, you are not to leak anything I tell you of. Is that clear?" Riyku seemed to change his demeanor quite hastily to that of a serious manner. This caused Dom to gulp for a moment before nodding softly. "I have already informed Cira since she is a friend of mine. But, allow me to briefly answer your questions. During the finale of the Death Games, there were four teams. One of those teams was what my daughter was on. This may come to a surprise to you, but I am not from this world. I am from a completely different world and my daughter was able to travel here in some way. I have not seen her for quite a long time, but she would be somewhat younger than your daughter if I were to go based on appearance. With that said, I teamed up with her and we fought against the other two teams. My daughter was killed and I was left to fend for myself, which I overcame when I unleashed some kind of power." Riyku kept quiet on the details, but Dom did not seem to ask about it. Though his expression did turn soft when Riyku spoke of his daughter as did Cira's.

"I am assuming the broadcast was cut off when I unleashed that power. However, I believe the Lords and Emporer wished to keep quiet as to not cause a panic of the populace which is also one of the few reasons I ask you not to leak this information. Now... with all of that said. My deal for you is that I take your daughter's hand in marriage. If you need someone to run the company when you pass, I will do just that. I ran a business in my world, so I have quite the knowledge when it comes to marketing, stocks and how to keep things efficient. If that does not appeal to you, you are more than welcome to decline." Riyku stated his terms of the deal which seemed to shock Dom so much so that he needed several moments to think on this matter.

"Tell me, you said you have no marital feelings for my daughter. So why are you taking her hand in marriage?" Dom inquired and Riyku would nod softly. "So she can keep her freedom. So she is not chained down for the rest of her life. That is why." Riyku would reply and Dom took a few more moments to think on the matter. His eyes still closed as he continued his thought. "Cira, are you okay with this?" Dom asked of his daughter, his eyes opening to give her a firm and serious glance.

Cira would blush brightly and fidget around at the sudden question before nodding softly. "Yes." She murmured. "I can't hear you. Repeat that once more." Dom stated firmly. "Yes!" Cira exclaimed. "I am perfectly fine with being Riyku's bride! He is handsome, cool, smart, and caring! He is a wonderful person! He helps out the elderly, and has done several menial tasks for the shops around our district! He is even strong, strong enough to take to the Death Games alone and come out on top! Not to mention that I enjoy his company and he is fun to be around!" Cira seemed to exclaim her feelings and standing all in one which caused Riyku to smile softly and Dom to nod before giving a soft expression.

A breath of relief parted the male's lips. "Thank the heavens," Dom stated softly which caused Riyku and Cira to look at him. "Father?" Cira inquired. "In all honesty, I did not want to hand you over to the son of Arcs' CEO. I did not like the expression of his nor did I like the feeling I was getting. Though, there was no other option. Arcs would have taken everything from me if I had not announced a successor. Without being able to leave you with anything, I feared you would be out on the street or worse..." Dom seemed to explain. "Though, if my successor is as knowledge and strong as you claim him to be and you are perfectly fine with being his betrothed then I can rest with ease." Dom would add as he relaxed his body.

"I just have one last question for you, Riyku." Dom looked to Riyku would nod at the man. "You have stated your reasoning for making my daughter your bride, you have even offered to take over the company for me when I am not longer able to run it. But, what do you gain from all of this?" Dom seemed serious even if he was relaxed.

"My gain?" Riyku inquired softly before shaking his head. "Never thought about it. When Cira told me she was being forced to marry, it pained me. I wanted to do something for her and the thought of being able to take her hand in marriage to keep her freedom was what came to mind. Though I never told her about it and of course, I knew that I had to be both knowledgeable and strong to gain your approval. So, I told her to keep the engagement at bay until after the Death Games. Not once, did I ever think of gaining anything from it so to answer your question, I have anything in mind. If anything it would be to keep my friend's smile." Riyku answered Dom who nodded softly with a bright smile on his face. "Riyku..." Cira seemed to become teary-eyed.

"I see..." Dom would get up from his seat before extending an arm towards Riyku. "I want to thank you. Honestly, I feared my daughter would never find someone to befriend. Ever since her mother passed, she has been addicted to gaming which was one of the reasons I founded Gambit's Arcade. I had hoped that maybe she would make a friend there, but in the end, she never brought anyone home. Don't get me wrong, I have heard of you from Henry as well as Cira from time to time, but seeing you in person is a whole lot different. I can safely trust you with my daughter, and if you produce a child, I know they will be in good hands." The last remark Dom gave caused Cira to call him out in a flustered expression. Riyku would chuckle lightly and take the man's hand. "It seems I have misjudged you. I would like to apologize and take back my earlier statement about your parenting. You are a fine father." Riyku stated which caused Dom to smile. "No worries. If I may though, will I need to keep your name out of the records as well?" Dom inquired which caused Riyku to shake his head.

"I think it will be fine if you put my name up. Besides, If anything I get the feeling that the son of Arc's CEO won't take this lightly. I would like to end any matters that would harm your daughter as soon as possible. If you could set up a meeting that would be great." Riyku stated and Dom smiled brightly. "A fine man you are for worrying about my daughter. As it so happens, the engagement meeting is supposed to happen tomorrow morning. If you would be willing to accompany us, that would be great." Dom stated and Riyku nodded. "Perfect." Riyku would reply, and Dom would nod happily. "Wonderful." He would remark before taking to his seat. Cira had been silent the entire time, but... "Don't I have a say in this!?" Cira would exclaim which caused both of them to look at her. "I thought you were okay with being his bride, is there something wrong?" Dom inquired. "Have I offended you?" Riyku asked and Cira shook her head. "Well no, but I mean like... I haven't said much... I mean, when will our wedding be? And more so, aren't you already in a relationship?" Cira inquired from Dom about the wedding date and Riyku about the relationship. This caught Dom's attention and shifted his glance over to Riyku.

"Well, I would not call it a relationship. If anything, it would be labeled a Harem. While I do cherish the girls, I do not have the same feelings that they have for me. I like them and I am willing to do whatever is in my power to make sure they are happy, healthy and safe. But Love... that is another story. If this upsets either of you, let me know and we can cancel our deal." Riyku seemed firm, and honest in his remark especially when it came to protecting them. "So, you won't throw away your harem for marriage?" Dom asked and Riyku shook his head. "I never will. Doing so would most likely hurt the girls. They have expressed their feelings of love and affection for me more than I can count. I wish to live up to their expectations and cherish them for as long as I live. However, this does not apply solely to the girls. There is a male among them, but I do not bed him. I cherish him just as much as I do the girls though." Riyku stated firmly which caused Dom to nod and Cira to stare him firmly.

"Would I be accepted into your Harem?" Cira asked after a long silence which caused Dom to go eye wide. "Cira!?" Dom shouted. "Dad, Can't you tell that he does like those girls. The look in his eyes shows just how much he trusts them and cherishes them and each of those girls is also happy with him even when they are all together. It shows that they trust him just as much as he trusts them. I haven't yet to meet anyone who has interacted with Riyku that has been displeased with him. Even the Shopping District talks praise of him. Surely, you have heard his name come up in your company now and again." Cira stated which caused Dom to settle down. "I have," Dom replied. "Then." Cira would add, but Dom would interrupt, "But this is another story entirely. While Polygamy is accepted it is not practiced. Monogamy relations are still higher on the spectrum of today's world. Only those in high power or standing have Harems and endorse Polygamy, and most of these individuals are corrupt." Dom stated firmly. "But, Riyku isn't like that! Surely, you can tell as well!" Cira exclaimed and Dom would eye the male for a good moment. "I can. From our earlier discussion and the look in his eyes, I can firmly say that he has no ill intentions. Though... he is a complete mystery as well." Dom stated which seemed to cause Cira to back down.

"However... If you truly trust this man and are willing to add yourself to his Harem. Then, I will not back down. I trust your decision." This statement caused Cira to squeal happily and she leaped from her seat which caused Riyku to chuckle lightly. "I thank you, for believing in your daughter as well as myself," Riyku stated to Dom who would huff heavily. "Yeah yeah." He replied. "Although, the decision on if she is allowed in the Harem is not solely mine," Riyku stated which caught both of their attentions. "It is up to everyone as a whole. While I am quite alright with it, the vote needs to be animous. Of course, I would discuss with them about my marriage to your daughter, but as I said that was for her sake and was my will as her friend. Adding her to my harem means she will interact with not only me but everyone as well." Riyku would shift his glance towards Cira. "Are you okay with this?" The firm look Riyku gave her when he asked her caused her to gulp softly before nodding. "I am. Just you telling me that shows how much trust you and your harem have with one another. It shows me that you are not going to accept just anyone. So I will take their judgment and if they decide that I am not worthy, then I am not." Cira would state firmly.

Riyku would nod with a soft smile. "If you show them as much conviction as you have shown me that I am sure they will accept you," Riyku replied to her which caused her to smile brightly to Cira who nodded happily. "Alright, with all of this settled. How about we finish our meals and have dessert." Dom stated and both of them nodded. They would finish up their dinner and dessert and converse a bit more about mundane things before heading their ways. "Master Riyku, would you be sleeping here tonight?" Henry inquired as he approached him from behind which caused him to turn to look at the male. "If that is acceptable," Riyku stated and Henry nodded. "We have a room prepared for you. Please follow me." Henry would lead Riyku to a guest room which was both simple and lovely.

"You wish to bathe, the bath is down the hall and to the left. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave." Henry stated with a bow and headed off else. Riyku would glance around the room before sitting upon the bed. He would look at his wristband which went off with a vibration. Tapping upon the chip brought up a text messaging screen.

'Riyku, are you coming home tonight?'

With the text happened to have been a picture of Kristen in a risque nightgown giving off a sexy expression. Riyku would chuckle lightly and smile softly, before replying to the text with the keypad that was provided on the screen.

'As tempting as you are, I will not be coming home tonight. I have an arrangement in the morning to take care of so I will be staying at a friend's house. I will bring her over after the arrangement and introduce you. So have the others ready as well as least by the afternoon.'

Riyku would send his message and not too long after he sent his message, did another message from Kristen show up.

'Another girl? Well, alright. I'll gather everyone up at Mina's place by the afternoon. So you better show up on time. It's going to be lonely with you here, but I'll manage for one night. Take care of that girl. \u003c3'

Riyku would shake his head and reply to the text.

'I appreciate it and it's not like that. I'll explain what is going on tomorrow.'

And Kristen would reply.

'Alright. Well, goodnight and sweet dreams, Riy.'

'Goodnight and sweet dreams, Kristen.'

With that Riyku would close out the messaging app and move to lay on the bed. "I think I'll take a quick bath and head to bed afterward," Riyku stated before getting up and doing just that.